Agenda 03/17/2015 Collier County
C a CO
COLLIER AREATRANSIT
Public Transit Ad Hoc Advisory Committee
Collier County Government Administration- Building F
3299 Tamiami Trail East—Suite 501 IT Training Room
Naples, Florida
March 17, 2015
3:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes
a. January 20, 2015 Meeting Minutes
5. Committee Action
a. Request to BCC for a 12 month extension to PTAC sunset period
b. Review and Comment on TDP Technical Memorandum#2
6. Member Comments
7. Public Comments
8. Next Meeting Date—April 21, 2015
9. Adjournment
Two or more members of the Board of County Commissioners may be present and may participate at the
meeting. The subject matter of this meeting may be an item for discussion and action at a future BCC meeting.
Collier Area Transit operates in compliance with Federal Transit Administration, (FTA) program
requirements and ensures that transit services are made available and equitably distributed, and provides equal
access and mobility to any person without regard to race,color,or national origin, disability,gender or age.Title VI
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; FTA Circular 4702.1A, "Title VI and Title VI Dependent Guidelines for Federal Transit
Administration Recipients.
Anyone who required an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or other reasonable
accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, should contact the Collier County Facilities
Management Department located at 3335 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, Florida 34112 or 239-252-8380 as soon as
possible, but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event. Such reasonable accommodations will be
provided at no cost to the individual.
January 20, 2015
MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC TRANSIT AD HOC ADVISORY
COMMITTEE MEETING
January 20, 2015 Naples, Florida
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, the Public Transit Ad Hoc Advisory Committee in and for
the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 3:00 P.M. in
REGULAR SESSION at Administrative Building "F", Suite 501, Collier County
Government Complex Naples, Florida with the following members present:
Chairman: Glen D. Harrell
Vice Chairman: Dylan Michael Vogel
John DiMarco, II
Richard Duggan
W. James Klug, III
Morton Rosenberg
Arthur Doberstein
Harold Weeks (Excused)
(Vacancy)
ALSO PRESENT: Michelle Arnold, Director, Public Transit and Neighborhood Enhancement
Trinity Scott, Public Transit Manager
Brandi Otero, Associate Project Manager
Omar Deleon, Keolis
Patricia Mumford , Keolis
1
January 20, 2015
1. Call to Order
Chairman Harrell called the meeting to order at 3:00PM.
2. Roll Call
Roll call was taken and a quorum was established.
3. Approval of Agenda
Mr. DiMarco moved to approve the Agenda. Second by Mr. Vogel. Carried unanimously 7—0.
3. Approval of Minutes
a. September 16,2014 Meeting Minutes
Mr. Vogel moved to approve the minutes of the September 16, 2014 Public Transit Ad Hoc
Advisory Committee meeting as presented. Second by Mr. Rosenberg. Carried unanimously 7
—0.
b. November 18,2014 Meeting Minutes
Mr. Klug moved to approve the minutes of the November 18, 2014 Public Transit Ad Hoc
Advisory Committee meeting as presented. Second by Mr. DiMarco. Carried unanimously 7-
0.
5. Committee Action
a. Approval of Meeting Calendar through June 2015
Ms. Scott presented the Executive Summary "Approval of Meeting Calendar Through June
2015" for consideration.
Mr. Vogel moved to approve the Meeting Calendar Through June 2015." Second by Mr. Klug.
Carried unanimously 7—0.
b. Ratification of Endorsement of Route Modifications & Route Addition to be Effective
January 2,2015
Ms. Scott presented the Executive Summary "Endorsement of Route Modifications to be Effective
January 2, 2015" for consideration. She noted the modifications were reviewed and endorsed by
the Committee absent of a quorum last meeting. Subsequently they were approved by the Board
of County Commissioners on 12/9/14 and went into effect on 1/2/15. She requested the
Committee ratify the proposal for the record.
Mr. Klug moved to approve the "Route Modifications to be Effective January 2, 2015" Second
by Mr. DiMarco. Carried unanimously 7—0.
Ms. Scott presented a PowerPoint"Route Modification Synopsis"dated January 20, 2015 for
information purposes. She noted:
• Staff has developed a schedule to measure ridership on the new routes on an ongoing basis.
• The routes have been successful to date and grown in ridership each week.
• In order to promote the new route/schedules Staff updated the website, is utilizing Comcast
banner ads, developed a radio and television advertising campaign and produced bilingual
you tube videos.
2
January 20, 2015
• Staff is also developing a smart phone "app"which should be available in July.
• A Marketing and Events Coordinator Staff position will be created to help promote the
system and assist in maintaining social media accounts.
The Committee recommended:
1. Staff develops a CD on the system for distribution to social workers, health care
professionals, etc. who deal with elderly clientele on a daily basis.
2. One function of the Marketing and Events Coordinator should be to create a public
outreach program including site visits to locations such as senior centers, schools, shopping
malls, home health service organizations, etc. to educate them on the system.
6. Reports and Presentations
a. Transit Development Plan Major Update
Ms. Scott presented the Executive Summary "Transit Development Plan Major Update" for
information purposes. She noted:
• The plan guides future bus service and operations for Collier County
• A Review Committee meeting was held on January 14 -15th where Technical
Memorandum #1 was discussed.
• The meeting activities included garnering input on the Memorandum from Stakeholders
and users of the system.
• Many elected officials indicated the system is fine "as is" and not in favor of utilizing any
additional tax revenue to fund the system.
Ms. Otero presented the PowerPoint "Collier Area Transit Development Plan—Review
Committee Meeting#2." She highlighted:
• The availability of bike storage, on and off of buses was a key part of the discussions at
the Review Committee meeting.
• The Review Committee is investigating measures to increase opportunities for bicyclists
given the current buses only have the capacity to transport 2 bicycles.
• The next Review Committee meeting will be held on February 15 to discuss Technical
Memorandum #2.
• Staff will provide updates to the Public Transit Ad Hoc Review Committee as they
become available.
b. Long Range Transportation Plan Major Update
Ms. Scott presented the Executive Summary "Long Range Transportation Plan Major Update"
for information purposes. She noted:
• The Metropolitan Planning Organization is developing the 2040 Long Range
Transportation Plan.
• Staff it providing input on what transit functions need to be addressed in the Plan with the
following areas identified thus far:
• Promoting Park and Ride concepts and identifying those physical locations where the
activity could be developed.
• A vision on how the system should be ultimately completed (route designs, later time
services, etc.).
3
January 20, 2015
• Identifying existing roads where transportation levels of service are failing, or are
anticipated to fail and cannot be expanded whereby public transportation may fill the
void in the growing transportation demand.
She queried the Committee on concepts that should be considered for the system. The Committee
listed the following ideas:
• Ensure compliance with ADA standards and handicapped accessibility.
• Initiate service to major institutions or other venues such as Florida Gulf Coast University
and Regional Southwest Airport.
• Increased use of express routes.
• Customizing buses based on the target audience of the route (i.e. increased areas for
shopping bag storage for mall routes, luggage storage for airport routes, etc.).
• Developing dedicated bus lanes on roads.
• Develop "circular type routes"within neighborhood areas that terminate at central hubs
which provide service to larger regional areas (i.e. a route around the Golden Gate Area
which transfer to a bus that services downtown Naples, Government Center, Coastland
Mall, etc.).
• Develop more transfer stations.
• Develop partnerships in park and ride programs.
• Encourage park and ride facilities just outside gated communities with a bus stop
immediately available to the user.
• Ensure Staff is fully engaged (when applicable) in the Site Development Plan process to
assist in developing adequate public transit facilities including bus stops in commercial and
residential areas.
• Continue to pursue grant funds.
7. Member Comments
None
8. Public Comments
None
9. Next Meeting Date
February 17, 2015
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned by
order of the chair at 4:30P.M.
Public Transit Ad Hoc Advisory Committee
Glen D. Harrell, Chairman
These minutes approved by the Board/Committee on as presented or as
amended
4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Committee Action
Item 5A
Request to BCC for a 12 month extension to PTAC sunset period
Objective:
To endorse the extension of the Public Transit Ad IIoc Advisory Committee (PTAC) for a 12
month period.
Considerations:
On May 13, 2014, the Collier County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) adopted
Resolution 2014-91 authorizing the extension of the PTAC. The PTAC serves to make
recommendations to the BCC in matters related to transit policies, issues, programs, and plans to
provide mass transit services to the citizens of Collier County. The resolution authorized the
extension of the sunset period for an additional 12 months. The current sunset date is July 16,
2015.
The PTAC has proven to be a valuable source of input to Collier County Public Transit staff
There are many upcoming projects within the next year that would benefit from input of the
committee, including the preparation and adoption of the Transit Development Plan (TDP) and
Long Range Transportation Plan. The extension would allow the committee to serve until July
16, 2016. The request for extension will be presented to the BCC subsequent to endorsement
from the PTAC.
Recommendation:
That the committee members endorse the extension of the PTAC for an additional 12 months.
/
g tr 4L.
Prepared by 4 e° LA/)1 l�(, ' 1! Date: r ; f :1
1
"hrinity ublic Transit Manager I
Approved by: ..,__ __ tF . Date: -~/0 "
Michelle Arnold, Public Transit &Neighborhood Enhancement Administrator
RESOLUTION NO. 2014 - 91
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, EXTENDING THE SUNSET DATE AND
THE TERMS OF THE EXISTING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TRANSIT
AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR AN ADDITIONAL 12 MONTHS.
WHEREAS, Collier Area Transit ("CAT") began operating in February 2001, by
providing fixed-route service in Collier County, including a route operating on Marco Island, and
a Marco Express route with service to and from lmmokalee and has expanded services
considerably since that time; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 2001-55, as amended, provides that the Board may, by
resolution, appoint an ad hoc or task force committee for a specific project, if the duration of the
committee does not exceed three years; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution No. 2013-50,
recognizing the importance of public transportation to the community, and created and
established an Ad Hoc Public Transit Advisory Committee to aid in ensuring that transit services
are efficient and meet community needs; and
WHEREAS, Section Six of Resolution No. 2013-50 states that "The duration of the
Advisory Committee is 12 months from the date of the Committee's first public meeting[;j" and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to extend the existence of this Committee and the terms
of its current members for an additional 12 months commencing from the one year anniversary
of its initial meeting date of July 16, 2013, through and including July 16, 2015.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, that the Collier County Public
Transit Ad Iloe Committee and the terms of its current members shall be extended for an
additional 12 months from the date of its current sunset date. and unless further extended by
Resolution of the Board, shall automatically sunset without further action on July 16. 2015.
TlllS RESOLUTION ADOPTED alter motion. second and majority vote favoring
same. this day of ., , , 2.014.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
DWIGHT E. BROCK, CLERK COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
Rai (1)- AWL B j1
Attest as to Ch�t�ilt�Clerk
TOM IIENNI G, CHA6 AN
CIOn�'i;rP' r v
Approved as to form and legality:
Scott R. Teach
Deputy County Attorney
rfr)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Committee Action
Rem 5B
Transit Development Plan Major Update
Objective:
Review and provide comments related to the Transit Development Plan (TDP) Technical
Memorandum #2.
Considerations:
On January 20, 2015, staff provided an update of the TDP progress and review of comments that
were received during the Visioning Workshop and Review Committee meetings held on January
14, 2015, The consultant has prepared the attached second technical memorandum for review
and comment.
Technical memorandum 2 includes the following items:
O Summary of public involvement activities;
• A review of relevant plans, studies, and policies;
• Summary of the results of the evaluation of transit demand and mobility needs; and,
® Provides the transit mission for Collier County and the goals, objectives, and initiatives to
accomplish the transit mission.
The next step in the TDP process is to model Transit alternatives and develop the
implementation and financing plans. A draft TDP will be prepared by May 1St and will be
presented at the May PTAC meeting for review. The plan will be scheduled for BCC approval at
the June 23, 2015 meeting.
Two more public meetings are in the process of being scheduled. The PTAC will be notified as
soon as dates and locations are confirmed,
Recommendation:
Review technical memorandum #2 and provide comments.
Attachments:
Technical Memorandum #2,
Prepared by: r d + ,) / ,', Date: }x `!..) /
Trinity Scott' Public Transit Manager
Approved by: a. ._,- � .. .. � Date: 3: °°/>
Michelle Arnold, Public Transit &Neighborhood Enhancement Administrator
Collier Area Transit
Transit Development Plan
Major Update
Draft Technical Memorandum #2
Prepared for:
Collier Area Transit
3299 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 103
Naples, Florida 34112
(239) 252-7777
In Coordination with
Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization
2885 South Horseshoe Drive
Naples, FL 34104
(239) 239-8192
Prepared by:
Tindale-Oliver &Associates, Inc.
135 W Central Boulevard, Suite 450
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 657-9210
March 2015
Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction 1
Organization of Memorandum 1
Section 2: Public Involvement 2
Review Committee 2
Discussion Group Meetings 5
Agency Representative Discussion 5
Transit User Discussion 7
Stakeholder Interviews 8
Section 3: Review of Plans,Studies, and Policies 13
Summary of Policy Context 13
Section 4:Transit Demand and Mobility Needs 15
The TBEST Model 15
Model Inputs, Assumptions, and Limitations 16
Demographic Data 16
Results for Maintaining Existing Service 16
Transit Market Assessment 17
Section 5: Goals and Objectives 22
CAT Fixed-Route Public Transit Vision 22
CAT Fixed-Route Public Transit Mission 22
CAT Fixed-Route Public Transit Goals, Objectives, and Initiatives 22
Section 6: Conclusion 31
Appendix A: Stakeholder Interview Questions 32
Appendix B: Review of Plans, Studies, and Policies 35
LOCAL DOCUMENT REVIEW 35
STATE DOCUMENT REVIEW 53
FEDERAL DOCUMENT REVIEW 56
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page i
Section 1: Introduction
This document is the second technical memorandum prepared as part of the Collier Area Transit (CAT)
2016-2025 Transit Development Plan (TDP) Major Update. The information provided in this document
supplements Technical Memorandum #1,which presented baseline conditions, an evaluation of existing
transportation services, and a summary of preliminary public outreach events.
Organization of Memorandum
This technical memorandum is composed of six sections, including this introduction. Each section is
briefly described below.
Section 2 summarizes the public involvement activities that were conducted following the development
of Technical Memorandum#1.The key findings and input from these activities support the development
of the draft goals, objectives, and initiatives and potential future alternatives that will be presented to
the public for comment.
Section 3 presents a review of the relevant plans, studies, and policies. The review provides information
on the pertinent documents that directly affect or are relevant to transit and transportation planning in
Collier County.
Section 4 summarizes the results of the evaluation of transit demand and mobility needs regarding
transit services in Collier County. The evaluation was completed by reviewing CAT ridership trends,
transit demand forecasting, and a transit market assessment of Collier County.
Section 5 provides the transit mission for Collier County and the goals, objectives, and initiatives to
accomplish the transit mission. The mission, goals, objectives, and initiatives were developed based on
discussions with CAT staff and the TDP Review Committee, input through the public involvement
process, and the results of the technical evaluations.
Section 6 presents the conclusion of this technical memorandum.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 1
;t
Section 2: Public Involvement
This section provides a detailed description of the public involvement activities that have been
completed as part of the TDP development process and summarizes the input that was received as a
result of those activities.
Review Committee
The second Review Committee meeting was held on January 14, 2015. Attendees included
representatives from Immokalee Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Greater Naples Chamber of
Commerce, Public Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC), Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), Collier
County Public School District, Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, the Collier Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO), and CAT staff. The meeting began with a short presentation on the TDP
development progress and an update on some recent route modifications implemented by CAT.
Attendees were asked to provide any comments on Technical Memorandum #1 that was disseminated
to the committee via email on November 7, 2014. In addition, paper copies of the document were
available at the meeting. No comments were provided on the content of Technical Memorandum ill.
The presentation concluded with a discussion on bicycle storage options based on the interest in the
topic during the previous Review Committee meeting.
Following the presentation, committee members were asked to participate in an open discussion
focusing on updates to the goals and objectives, potential future alternatives, and funding sources. The
discussion is summarized in the remainder of this section by subject.
Goals and Objectives
• The goals and objectives need to include language to reduce the risky driver/risky vehicle
interactions.
• There needs to be clarification that the goals and objectives relate to fixed-route not
pa ratransit.
• Goal 2 should be reworded to balance between green efficiencies and cost-effectiveness and
efficiencies.
• Goal 3 needs clarification of meaningful partnerships (i.e., intergovernmental is different from
other types of partnerships).
• Goal 5 should read, "Use the most efficient technologies and innovations" rather than the best.
It would not make sense for CAT to purchase a $500,000 vehicle that is the best, if they did not
have the necessary resources for the vehicle and it was not cost-effective.
• Goal 5 should be modified to include objectives:
o Reload smart cards online
o Implement an incentive program for local businesses to help reduce the cost of transit
for passengers shopping at their businesses
o Regional acceptance of the fare media card
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 2
t
1 '1 -
• Goal 6 should have minimum standards defined. Also, there should be a better word than
improve for third objective under Goal 6.
• Goal 7 should be revised to "Maximize the use of all funding sources and services to increase
service or to provide better services."
• Other initiatives that need to be considered in the update of the goals and objectives are listed
below.
a CAT staff should go to assisted living facilities to disseminate information and talk to the
social directors to find out more information on where people are going.
o Give out CAT information at high school driver's education classes.
Potential Future Alternatives
• An express route in north Immokalee would be great along SR 82, particularly with the new Wal-
Mart.
• An express route from the Collier County Government Center to the Southwest Florida
International Airport should stop at Florida Gulf Coast University(FGCU).
• Everglades City currently has access to Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) services and the city
is reluctant to use the service. It has been suggested to the Mayor that the residents use the TD
service so that the demand for service can be reviewed based on the ridership. Based on the low
demand for TD service, it may not be feasible to operate a fixed-route to Everglades City every
day of the week, but rather begin with service once a week. Also, implementing a flex route in
Everglades City may not be financially feasible within the timeframe of this TDP. The service
should begin with trips on limited days of the week to allow CAT to assess the demand and
ridership on the route.
• A park and ride lot in East Naples would be beneficial. People from Ave Maria could drive over
to the park and ride and use the available transit service, but this will require a good marketing
campaign. Park and ride lots located near the front of gated communities should also be
reviewed. Verona Walk has included a parking lot at the front of the community. A Review
Committee member suggested that CAT staff speak with the various Homeowner Associations.
• An additional bus should be added to Route 13 to reduce the wait time. Currently, passengers
who miss the bus are required to wait 1.5 hours for the next bus.
• Frequency should be increased on the LinC.
Funding Sources
• CAT should consider charging different rates for different people (i.e., employees may pay$1.50
per one-way trip, but seasonal visitors may be charged higher fares).
• A shopper pass could be issued by stores to gain shoppers in Mercato and other areas. The
passengers could get the pass stamped at stores including Wal-Mart, if they were willing to
participate by paying for the return trip or contributing funding to CAT operations. The
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 3
`, E & ,
�fiar-4s#a,�', ..1" zx �...,„, x.'r".w.x1: -u'",t-t`° '.r�- k �. ..� : ^'-u'k��t" r'a`:,.
*. ,.,sue t, C-.
merchants should be contacted to assist with the development of a program and establishing
implementation.
• Need long term partnerships for the sale of passes.
• A participant asked whether or not the City of Naples provides funding for the CAT system. The
local funds are provided by Collier County with the source being gas tax dollars. In addition,
because gas tax is collected at the county level municipalities in Collier County indirectly
contribute to funding transit. CAT has tried to approach the city; however, right now limited
service is provided in the City of Naples and the system is considered a county-wide service.
Comments received through public outreach for the TDP indicate that additional services may
be necessary in the City of Naples to further determine the need and potential solutions. A
comprehensive study and coordination with city officials should be the next steps.
• A county-wide Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) may be considered for generating
additional local funding to improve and expand transit service. County residents paying the
MSTU tax may be given an annual resident CAT pass similar to the county's beach permit
program that provides permits to all county property owners. Also similar to the beach permit
program, some residents may use the CAT pass while others do not. Generating additional
revenue sources will require creativity and there are pros and cons to all of the funding ideas.
Some non-proponents of public transportation may be opposed to approving an additional tax
for transit service.
• Consideration should be given to establishing a 501(c)(3) that would provide a method for
wealthier residents to donate funds to CAT and receive tax benefits for the donation.
• There needs to be a way for people to give gift cards online or to reload smartcards.
Other Discussion
• The buses should be improved for a newer, fresher look rather than green to attract new riders.
Southwest Airlines wraps its airplanes regularly to keep the look at the forefront rather than
keeping the same red and yellow look on the airplanes. Another Review Committee member
commented that the buses are green because some officials chose that specific look and wanted
to keep the look of Naples quaint. Some officials also do not want buses in the City of Naples
neighborhoods; however, other trucks and buses are allowed within the city.
• CAT should be included in the land use and utility review process. Improvements that affect
transit and the operating environment should be communicated to and coordinated with CAT
through the planning process. The Immokalee CRA does this already and provides its plans to
CAT.
• To achieve the level of outreach suggested during the meetings, CAT may need to hire
additional staff members. CAT would like an outreach coordinator/mobility manager to be full-
time county personnel not a contract employee to ensure that the priorities and goals of that
position are in line with the county. CAT may also consider asking transit users to be volunteer
transit ambassadors. One member of the Review Committee has volunteered to assist with an
ambassador program, if implemented.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 4
w e"� #3
-' v
• The Immokalee CRA and the Wives of the Farm Workers Association are both good places for
CAT to speak.
• CAT has a Facebook page that is not currently active. The Immokalee CRA has a social media
outreach employee and may be able to assist with posting CAT information to its website.
• LeeTran Routes 150 and 600 should be adjusted to have later hours consistent with CAT's route
modifications. The last bus on Route 600 leaves Coconut Point at 5:50PM, but the CAT Route 11
connection has been extended to 8:50PM. CAT should coordinate with LeeTran to determine if
the connecting route can be extended to better serve customers.
• Transportation for students is difficult in the rural area, particularly at Palmetto Ridge High
School. CAT providing service to this area creates an opportunity for student usage and may
reduce the need for parents to provide the majority of transportation services.
• An agency representative reported that its agency's disabled clients think that CAT is fantastic
and the operators are more than helpful. The Goodwill Industries partners with Lighthouse of
Collier and requested another participant to come speak with the students to show them how
to use the CAT system.
• More focus should be placed on exposing the needs of residents to be productive and have
access to jobs. However, many people on the bus are also going shopping.
• The CAT system was established as a truly transit-dependent service. As the system grows, it
should be expanded to accommodate tourists and choice riders in addition to the transit
dependent population.
• CAT recently began advertising through radio and television.The new advertisements have been
paid for by CAT and CAT will monitor its ridership to determine ridership increases that may be
attributed to the commercials.
Discussion Group Meetings
To supplement the information collected during the public workshops and to support the TDP update
process, a discussion group meeting was held with local agency representatives and one-on-one
discussions were conducted with CAT transit users.
Agency Representative Discussion
An agency discussion group was held on January 14, 2015 at the Collier County Government Center.
Representatives were present from the Immokalee CRA, Collier County Public School District, Collier
County Tourist Department, Council for Hispanic Business Professionals, Bayshore Gateway Triangle
CRA, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Florida Department of
Health, Ave Maria University, the Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and Collier Area
Transit (CAT) staff. The meeting began with a short presentation on the TDP process. Next, attendees
were asked to participate in a discussion focusing on six key areas: impressions of CAT, the role of CAT,
barriers to transportation, proposed improvements, funding, and marketing and advertising. The
discussion is summarized below by discussion topic areas.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 5
:-+a N '.: kfr. 3•G < r Fyrt �-.4M' ' J �- s•
x sue..
CAT Impressions
• Access to the beach is appreciated as an improvement for the future; however, transportation
for the elderly is more of an issue.
• People are not sure how CAT works.
• The bus stop signs are not enticing and do not stand out with tourists; a more attractive sign
would be helpful. The signs should be redesigned to be more attractive as a school project.
Role of CAT
• Tourist attractions should be considered in the planning process for CAT. Hospitality workers are
using the system and it would be good to see more visitors use CAT.
• CAT's role should be to get employees to work places.
• CAT should be coordinating with Opportunity Naples and the NAACP to discuss the value of the
transit service.
Barriers to Transportation
• The City of Naples needs to be encouraged to allow for more bus service within the city limits.
• There is a growing population of seniors that would like to age in place and cannot be
accommodated based on the existing transit service. Additional transit routes may help with the
issue of aging in place.
• Walking and biking in the community should be better integrated with the CAT service.
Immokalee and Ave Maria attract people because they are pedestrian friendly.
• The timing of the Lee County Transit routes and LinC operational hours need to be better
coordinated. Employees traveling from Lee County to Naples Community Hospital must leave
their houses at 3 AM to arrive at work on time.
• The students at Ave Maria University are unable to access the Target and other areas near 1-75.
Also,transportation access is needed to get employees to businesses in Ave Maria.
• There is an issue with getting people from the RSW airport to Marco Island and the Naples area.
Proposed Improvements
• More routes are needed on major roadways.
• Routes are needed to connect senior communities in Collier County. Circle routes should be
considered to integrate communities and complement the existing fixed bus routes.
• More routes are needed around the schools and recreation centers in Immokalee.
• Immokalee would like to see a different and uniform approach to the design of the bus stop
shelters in the area, particularly around Main Street.
• More bus stops are needed for the routes that serve Immokalee Drive.
• There is a need for transportation from Ave Maria University.
• A route is needed from the hotel in Immokalee to North Naples.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 6
mod. . ;z tia 7'°9,' v<+; _S EW
• More bus service is needed within the City of Naples for older persons and lower income
individuals.
Funding
• The Tourist Development Council should be lobbied to understand the benefits of transit
service.
• CAT should be at the table for Opportunity Naples meetings.
Marketing and Advertising
• Advertising opportunities, particularly at shelters, transfer points, and on the buses, should be
further explored.
• Parking in the downtown area is unappealing; therefore, marketing efforts should focus on the
benefit of not having to park by using Friday night and weekend passes.
• CAT should ask the Collier County School District to post its commercials on the school's
website. The CAT commercials should also be advertised on Telemundo and on the Greater
Naples Chamber of Commerce website.
• The new smartphone application should include features that include routes, arrival times, and
expected delays.
Transit User Discussion
In lieu of a formal discussion group meeting with transit users of the CAT system, staff was present at
the CAT Intermodal Transfer Station on January 15, 2015, to discuss the existing service and potential
future improvements with riders. Passengers were offered a chance to enter for a free 30-day bus pass
in exchange for their input. In addition to discussion on the CAT service, transit users were also asked to
provide input relating to features they would like to see included in the programming of an application
for smart phones, any feedback on the new Route 27, and the new advertising radio and television
commercials, as well as any additional feedback on the system.
A total of approximately 40 people participated in discussions with staff. The key discussion topics from
the outreach conducted at the transfer station are listed below.
• Only a few riders have seen or heard the CAT commercials at this point. Several passengers
mentioned that they do not watch or have access to television.
• The CAT operators are extremely helpful and friendly and assist customers because they want to
not because they are required to do so.
• The existing routes provide sufficient coverage to the places that the transit users would like to
access. However, for people living in Golden Gate Estates, the walk to the nearest bus stop can
take 30 minutes or more.
• The most frequently mentioned needed improvements included:
o More frequent buses (Golden Gate)
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 7
}xs. t
o Extended hours in the morning and evening
o Better signage on the buses to determine the route since transferring between buses
can be confusing
o More bike racks
• Features that transit users would like to see included in a new CAT application include:
o A way to submit a compliment or complaint
o Real-time bus locator information to determine if the bus will be on-time
CD Customer service information (sometimes the information received on the phone is not
accurate)
o Real-time information on the number of bikes on the bus bike racks
o "You asked we listened" section
• Some passengers are choosing the time they travel and the location where they get on the bus
based on the availability of bike racks (i.e., earliest run times). Sometimes the racks are even full
when the bus arrives at the Transfer Station for the first trip of the day and the operator has
picked up a passenger and bicycle on the way to the Transfer Station prior to beginning the
route.
• Other suggestions from passengers are listed below.
o More bathrooms are needed at the transfer center
o Directional arrows on the route maps would be helpful to eliminate confusion related to
direction of the routes
o CAT pass holders should be able to rent bikes with the CAT passes or receive a discount
on bike rentals by showing the CAT pass
o Add barcodes to the bus stop signs that can be scanned with smartphones so
passengers know when the next bus will arrive—QR codes
Stakeholder Interviews
To assess the attitudes of key local officials and community leaders regarding the transit system, a series
of stakeholder interviews were conducted during the TDP development process. The interview purpose
was to assess political and community leaders' views on transit's current and future role in the
community, transit funding, and other issues relevant to the transit plan. Stakeholder interviews were
conducted with representatives from the Collier County Board of County Commissioners, the Collier
County Planning Commission, City of Everglades City, City of Naples, NCH Healthcare System, Greater
Naples Chamber of Commerce, Healthcare of Southwest Florida, and Lighthouse of Collier. Key themes
that emerged from the interviews are listed below and the pre-scripted interview questions are
presented as Appendix A.
• All of the stakeholders were aware of CAT service; however, none of the stakeholders use the
CAT system and the majority of stakeholders did not identify any improvements that would
encourage them to use the bus service, with the exception of the Everglades City representative
that commented that if the service was extended to Everglades City that would be an
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 8
yr .0.m # f r �
improvement to encourage use of the transit service. Reasons cited by the stakeholders for not
using CAT included the following:
o Service is not frequent enough to accommodate the stakeholders' schedules
o Residences and/or businesses are outside of the CAT service area
o Stakeholders have their own personal automobiles and prefer to drive
• When asked about the primary role of CAT and what the stakeholders believed were the
purpose of most transit trips in Collier County, the majority of stakeholders responded that
CAT's primary role is to provide transit service to workers, low-income individuals, and older
persons without transportation access to employment, shopping, and medical appointments.
• The most frequently mentioned issues facing transit users was the frequency of the service.
Most stakeholders commented that the timing and schedule need improvement. Other
significant issues that were mentioned included ease of use, availability of information, limited
beach access, and no service to Everglades City.
• The majority of stakeholders believe that the public perception of CAT is good with clean and
dependable fixed-route bus service. However, one stakeholder commented that the public
perception is poor.
• The majority of stakeholders think that CAT could do a better job marketing its services since
many people in the community lack general knowledge of the service. Some stakeholders were
aware that CAT is working on marketing its service, but believed that more could be done
including disseminating information in multiple languages to churches and having more
educational materials available to notify the passengers of the stops and routes. One
stakeholder commented that if someone wants to find out more and use the bus, all of the tools
are available.
• When asked if further branding is needed, most stakeholders thought that additional branding
would attract more passengers. Some of the stakeholders' suggestions for how CAT could
improve branding of the system are listed below.
o Hire an outside firm to develop and disseminate easy to read and understand materials
on how to use CAT. Contact the Tourist Development Council to request funds for
contracting with an outside firm.
o Designate a bus to take people to the beach on Sundays as a "Try Transit" campaign.
o Market the system through employers that may be looking for transportation
alternatives for employees.
o Do not brand the service using billboards.
• Stakeholders were asked to identify additional steps that could be taken to increase the use of
public transit in Collier County. The following are some of the suggestions provided by the
stakeholders.
o CAT staff should present materials during lunch-and-learns at Lighthouse of Collier and
other agencies and retirement homes.
o Develop and disseminate complete system maps on the website and implement Google
Transit on the website and mobile phones.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 9
o Advertise the transit service on the radio,television, and Facebook.
o Ask the community where they need to go and plan transit service to those areas rather
than having the government decide where people are going.
o Put out more educational materials about the benefits of riding the system.
o Add shelters to all of the stops. Heat and rain are major issues in southwest Florida that
would discourage people from using the bus.
o Extend the service to Everglades City.
• Most stakeholders commented that improved frequencies are most needed and there is not a
need for expanded service coverage. Only two stakeholders identified geographic areas that
need transit services and those areas were the beach and Oil Well Road. In addition, one of the
stakeholders commented that transit service along Oil Well Road should be located strategically
at locations such as Publix to encourage use by students at Ave Maria University.
• Most of the stakeholders would like to see CAT develop an application for smartphones, add Wi-
Fi on the buses, and install additional shelters. Features that stakeholders mentioned should be
included in the development of a smartphone app included the ability to summons the bus
similar to taxi service, bus locator technology, and route information. However, one stakeholder
commented that despite having technology available with route information, if the bus will
arrive every 90 minutes people will still chose another mode of transportation. One stakeholder
mentioned that CAT should install shelters at all of the bus stops before considering adding
bicycle lockers to the stop based on the importance of the shelters and any additional costs
associated with the bike lockers driving up the overall transportation cost for the passengers.
Technology for the visually impaired was also mentioned. One stakeholder commented that
passengers have experienced difficulty with the audible announcement boxes at the
government center not reading route information when the button is pressed and those boxes
and the stop announcements on the buses should be reviewed to ensure they are working.
• The majority of stakeholders do not think that adding and/or improving transit service alone
would attract new businesses to the Collier County area. Stakeholders mentioned that it would
also depend on the type of business since executives would not likely use the bus, but
businesses trying to attract younger, techie staff may look for the availability of transit services
when selecting a location. Other stakeholders commented that transit is a nice amenity and a
good option for larger corporations. Only one stakeholder thought that adding transit service
could attract businesses and employees to Everglades City based on the need to fill jobs within
the National Park.
• Stakeholders do think that Collier County is congested during the seasonal months of December
through April and primarily within the Naples area along US 41, Pine Ridge Road, and Airport-
Pulling Road. However, the majority of stakeholders are unsure or do not think that the
availability of additional and/or improved transit service could help to reduce the congestion.
• Major destinations both inside and outside of the community that stakeholders think should be
accessible by public transportation are listed below.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 10
.. 7,q� � °'.,�.y�.^xc �.• y ����° „ � l��'°r't *�_ -wow. i �� -47
o Lighthouse Collier
o YMCA
o Mercato
o Social Security office
o Ritz Carlton
o Public health unit
o Government Center
o Coastland Mall
o Beach
o Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology
o Major employers
o Medical complexes
o Post office
o Everglades City (City Hall)
• Most stakeholders do not envision rail transit would be needed to improve regional connectivity
for Collier County and the surrounding areas. A couple stakeholders who commented that they
would not use the fixed-route transit service mentioned that they would use a rail service that
had few stops, Wi-Fi, and enabled them to reach Lee County, Tampa, and Miami. Those same
stakeholders commented that rail transit would help people living in Lee County access jobs in
Collier County, allow people to go further, and the land should be located and planned now for
the future. One stakeholder commented that there is no available right-of-way for rail. Another
stakeholder thinks that regional paratransit service and improvements to the connections on
Bonita Beach Road are more important improvements for regional connectivity.
• When asked if they would be willing to pay increased local taxes for an expanded transit system,
the stakeholders' answers varied. Two stakeholders said they would pay additional taxes, three
stakeholders would need more information in the form of an actual proposal before answering
the question, two stakeholders would not pay additional taxes for transit, and one stakeholder
would only pay additional tax in the form of gas tax.
• Most stakeholders were unsure of what types of local funding should be used to increase transit
service in the future. The stakeholders that did answer the question believed that grants should
be pursued and/or sales tax.
• A few stakeholders were against allowing any form of advertising on the CAT buses, shelters, or
benches and thought that advertising would take away from the character of the system;
however, a few stakeholders thought that advertising should be allowed if monitored closely
and implemented correctly, with suggestions such as allowing inside the bus only.
• The majority of stakeholders think that the current CAT fare of $1.50 is very reasonable. One
stakeholder thinks that the fare should be closer to $1.25 and should not be increased. One
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum It2 Page 11
*"+:: 44!'''41Y-"11' t'-rP.4...W-4,„,.Arc- -1,,,tAght
rAi
stakeholder commented that the fare should be much higher and closer to the actual cost of
service.
• Most stakeholders have not heard of any businesses requesting additional transit service or
interested in creating public-private partnerships for increased transit service for their
employees and customers. One stakeholder mentioned that in the past agencies have tried to
coordinate the provision of transit service, but the problem was providing the insurance and
what agency was responsible for the liability.
• The majority of stakeholders believe that CAT should be involved in discussion regarding
proposed development and how transit service can connect with the future
development/redevelopment. Stakeholders do not think that CAT should control development,
but should review the plans and coordinate with the various groups. One stakeholder
commented that the local plans have references to transit, but the incentives are not there for
developers. This stakeholder believes that CAT staff should create developer incentives for
funding transit and present those incentives to the Collier County BCC.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 12
'` - �+n r
I w. im • ,,,: � �,.:e ' a H +: d �'f' :x a , $ " H .
u 1 '"'1 ° y-' 1 x "t� p
Section 3: Review of Plans, Studies, and Policies
A major component of the TDP update is the review and assessment of relevant local, state, and federal
plans, studies, and policies. The results of this effort provide an understanding of transit planning issues
in Collier County and the region. The document review also supports the performance of a situation
appraisal, which is an assessment of the operating environment of the transit system. For the sake of
brevity, the most relevant themes between these documents are summarized below, with a more
detailed summary included in Appendix B.
Summary of Policy Context
The compilation of land use data and policies can assist in understanding the extent to which local land
use plans are supportive of an efficient provision of transit service within Collier County, identify existing
and potential transit ridership generators, and ensure the TDP Major Update is consistent with those
local plans. Local plans that are relevant to transit and emphasize land use planning were reviewed.
These plans include:
• Collier County Comprehensive Plan
• Golden Gate Master Plan
• lmmokalee Master Plan
• City of Marco Island Comprehensive Plan
• City of Naples Comprehensive Plan
• City of Naples Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR)
• Collier MPO 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan Minor Update
• Collier MPO 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan
• Collier County Rural Land Stewardship Program
• Collier County Transfer of Development Rights Program—Rural Fringe Mixed Use District
• Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council Strategic Regional Policy Plan
The plans reviewed state a common goal for multimodal environments that support transit and bicycle
and pedestrian pathways. The goal of implementing transportation demand management (TDM)
strategies is prevalent in the stated desire to direct future development.
Other local plans that were reviewed included the Collier County Transportation Disadvantaged Service
Plan (TDSP), Collier MPO Transportation Improvement Program, and the CAT 2013 Comprehensive
Operations Analysis. From these plans, future transit needs and cost feasible improvements were
reviewed and are dependent on the availability of revenues to cover new and improved services.
Plans and legislation reviewed at the regional and state level include:
• MAP-21—Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act
• State Growth Management Legislation—HB 7207
• Florida Transportation Plan: Horizon 2060
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum 42 Page 13
st. 4 ., _ � � fi l',d1
• State of Florida Transportation Disadvantaged Five-Year/Twenty-Year Plan
Of the plans reviewed, the most directly relevant is MAP-21, which fundamentally changed funding
availability from the prior federal transportation bill. MAP-21 decreased the availability of discretionary
grants while placing a greater emphasis on maintaining existing assets and tracking performance.
Congress passed the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014, which extended federal
transportation programs and funding through May 2015 and continues the existing federal highway
programs authorized under MAP-21.
The review of local, state, and federal transportation policies indicates that no conflicts are expected
with regard to consistency with other plans and programs.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 14
2
i 1.7 M f fE A y
,, 3 *'y# £` r y s
Section 4: Transit Demand and Mobility Needs
Transit demand and mobility needs were evaluated for the CAT fixed-route system using the Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT)-approved ridership forecasting tool known as the Transit
Boarding Estimation and Simulation Tool (TBEST) and a transit market assessment.
The TBEST Model
It has long been a goal of FDOT to standardize the modeling tool for transit demand across the state,
similar to the Florida Standard Urban Transportation Model Structure (FSUTMS) that is used by
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in developing Long Range Transportation Plans (LRTPs). As
such, FDOT developed TBEST, a comprehensive transit analysis and ridership-forecasting model capable
of simulating travel demand at the individual route level. The software was designed to provide near-
and mid-term forecasts of transit ridership consistent with the needs of operational planning and TDP
development. This innovative model provides a statewide standard that allows FDOT to compare Florida
transit agencies of various sizes across the state in a consistent way. As such, the model had to be
versatile enough to accommodate the various sizes, modes, and configurations of the wide array of
transit systems in Florida. The tradeoff for such versatility is that ridership estimates are very high-level
and are best used to compare alternatives on concurrent networks against each other; rather than for
an investment-grade study of a major capital project or an approximation of future ridership levels.
In producing model outputs,TBEST considers the following factors:
• Transit network connectivity —the level of connectivity relates to the number of transfers that
are possible between routes within the bus network.
• Spatial and temporal accessibility — service frequency and the distance between stops; the
larger the physical distance between potential bus riders and bus stops, the lower the level of
service utilization; similarly, less frequent service is perceived as being less reliable and
therefore is less utilized.
• Time-of-day variations — accommodates peak-period travel patterns with greater service
utilization forecasts.
• Route competition and route complementarities—accounts for competition between routes, like
routes that connect to the same destinations or that travel on common corridors; conversely,
routes that are synchronized and support each other in terms of schedule and service to major
destinations or transfer locations benefit from a complementary relationship.
Data required to update the CAT network included the following:
• Bus schedules with time points and route map
• Operating characteristics for bus transit routes, including route type, headways, route length,
days of service, service span, and fares
• Observed average daily ridership by route
• Socioeconomic data in GIS and tabular formats
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 15
• GIS bus stop and route layers
The projections use the most recent version of modeling software,TBEST Version 4.2.
Model Inputs,Assumptions,and Limitations
The inputs and assumptions made in modeling the CAT system in TBEST are presented below. Whereas
there is flexibility in a number of parameters, some are fixed. For example, the model is not interactive
with roadway network conditions.Therefore, ridership forecasts will not show direct sensitivity to future
changes in roadway traffic conditions or speeds. Additionally, coefficients that direct the propensity of
boardings and transfers on a specific route are coded into the programming language of TBEST and
cannot be adjusted.
Demographic Data
The demographics, including population and employment, used as the base input for the TBEST model
are derived from the 2013 American Community Survey (ACS) and 2012 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
The data was used to determine a one-year percent change in the annual growth rate. The annual
population and employment growth rates used in the model are 1.88 percent and 0.45 percent,
respectively.
Results for Maintaining Existing Service
This section includes a description of the TBEST model run and summarizes the ridership forecasts
produced by TBEST.
The TBEST method of model calibration is referred to as validation and is required before creating a
ridership estimate. Validation uses daily ridership averages for the baseline model to automatically
adjust model coefficients so that modeled ridership more closely approximates existing observed
behavior. Using the inputs described in this section, assumptions, and fiscal year(FY) 2013 ridership data
for CAT, the TBEST model was validated for 2013. Using the validated model, the 2015 and 2025
scenarios were created. Both scenarios represent the existing fixed-route system without any
modifications. Based on the TBEST results shown in Table 1, maintaining the existing status quo will
result in an average weekday daily ridership increase of 7 percent by 2025, and average Saturday and
Sunday daily ridership is expected to increase approximately 5 and 7 percent, respectively.
Table 1:TBEST 2015 and 2025 Status Quo Ridership Projections
Route Average Daily Average Daily Absolute Change, Average Growth
Ridership, 2015 Ridership, 2025 2015-2025 Rate,2015-2025
Weekday 4,490 4,803 313 7.0%
Saturday 3,837 4,037 200 5.2%
Sunday 1,983 2,125 142 7.2%
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 16
.ham_, .0
n e> . . E
$ a
ks �. w � � � k�z.,.,s _a � �Y. �
Transit Market Assessment
The transit market assessment for Collier County includes an evaluation from two different perspectives:
the discretionary market and the traditional market. Analysis tools used to conduct each market analysis
were a Density Threshold Assessment (DTA) and a Transit Orientation Index(TOI).These tools were used
to determine whether existing transit routes are serving areas of the county considered to be transit-
supportive for the corresponding transit market. The transit markets and the corresponding market
assessment tool used to measure each are described in detail below.
• Discretionary Market—Density Threshold Assessment
The discretionary market refers to potential riders living in higher density areas of the county that
may choose to use transit as a commuting or transportation alternative. A DTA was conducted
based on industry standard relationships to identify those areas of Collier County that will
experience transit-supportive residential and commercial density levels in 2025.
Three levels of density thresholds were developed to indicate whether or not an area contains
sufficient densities to sustain efficient fixed-route transit operations.The levels include:
• Minimum — Reflects minimum population or employment densities to consider basic fixed-
route transit services (i.e.,fixed-route bus services).
• High—Reflects high population or employment densities that may be able to support higher
levels of transit investment than areas that meet only the minimum density threshold (i.e.,
increased frequencies, express bus).
• Very High — Reflects very high population or employment densities that may be able to
support higher levels of transit investment than areas that meet the minimum or high
density thresholds (i.e., premium transit services, etc.).
Table 2 presents the density thresholds for each of the noted categories.
Table 2:Transit Density Threshold
Transit Mode Population Density Threshold Employment Density Threshold
Minimum 4.5-5 dwelling units/acre 4 employees/acre
High 6-7 dwelling units/acre 5-6 employees/acre
Very High >=8 dwelling units/acre >=7 employees/acre
1 TRB, National Research Council, TCRP Report 16, Volume 1 (1996), "Transit Land Use Form," November 2002, MTC
Resolution 3434 TOD Policy for Regional Transit Expansion Projects.
2 Based on a review of research on the relationship between transit technology and employment densities.
• Traditional Market—Transit Orientation Index(TOI)
The traditional transit market refers to population segments that historically have a higher propensity to
use transit and/or are dependent on public transit for their transportation needs. Traditional transit
users include the older adult,youth, and households that are low income and/or have no vehicles.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 17
-AT•�vM° ^C aYr`A� "S
? L +T1
VR h'A4XPi
A TO1 assists in identifying areas of the city where a traditional transit market exists. To create the TOI,
2012 ACS demographic data estimates were compiled at the block group level and categorized
according to each block group's relative ability to support transit based on the prevalence of specific
demographic characteristics. For this analysis, four population and demographic characteristics were
used to develop the TO1. Each characteristic traditionally is associated with the propensity to use transit.
The four characteristics that were used to produce the index include the following:
• Population density (persons per square mile)
• Proportion of the population age 65 and over(older adults)
• Proportion of the population under the age of 16 (youths)
• Proportion of the population below the poverty level.
ACS data does not include zero-vehicle households. As a substitute, the number of households with
annual income below$10,000 was used assuming that households earning below $10,000 cannot afford
vehicles or the expenses related to vehicle ownership. The block groups are rated as, "Very High,"
"High," "Medium," or"Low" in their respective levels of transit orientation, where "Very High" reflects a
very high transit orientation, or in other words a high proportion of transit dependent populations.
Maps 1 through 3 show the 2012 TOI, and 2015 and 2025 DTA, respectively. The maps also include the
existing CAT service network to show how well the existing network covers areas of the county that are
considered transit supportive for both market assessments.
The 2012 TOI for the study area shows that the majority of the block groups with a very high transit
orientation index are located in Immokalee, the City of Naples near Tamiami Trail and Goodlette-Frank
Road and along Gulfshore Boulevard North, Marco Island, and in North Naples west of Tamiami Trail
near the Lee County line. The existing CAT transit network covers the majority of very high TOI areas,
specifically in Immokalee and along Tamiami Trail. However, there are areas with high TOI areas located
in Golden Gate Estates, east of 1-75 along Immokalee Road, Naples Manor, and in the south portion of
the county near US 41 and Collier Boulevard that have limited or no existing public transit service
available.
The 2015 DTA map shows that there are several transit supportive areas in Immokalee, the Naples area
along Gulfshore Boulevard north of Harbour Drive, Tamiami Trail, Goodlette-Frank Road, and Airport-
Pulling Road near Radio Road and Pine Ridge Road, and Marco Island. There is currently transit service
surrounding the majority of these areas,with the exception of Gulfshore Boulevard in the City of Naples.
In 2025, the transit supportive areas shown on the 2015 DTA map continue to support transit services
and there is a slight increase in the DTA shown in Immokalee along SR 29 and in the south portion of the
county along US 41. The 2025 transit supportive block groups currently are served by transit, with the
exception of Gulfshore Boulevard along the beachside in the City of Naples. Based on the city's
development growth patterns, Collier County may experience an increase in transit supportive block
groups in the eastern portion of the county through future development efforts.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum ft2 Page 18
, C E
V1 �E t a u g
Ca - 0
Q7 La IY EU --','I'''-' KLL �(�a� Kd E ll0 ll E Y x
;IL iI� I I IL 1 1 al- Q. '., i ii
v d _ N a
up • C °O ! g 2 > U K U Q U IY ry< <I J 0 0 L'1,3 i
� c I I �I i
0
�K -
F- J moo`°= 1
}
r C 1
,4,z.r. J r�
Q
5I O
0 5 J
f0 ,d' s.�°' 1 O7 ,.,J l N
ill�� Wfi a. S O
151 ' I c
t
01
0
i'
N
in
1g>
M
QJ ..y,
P
..Y--7,4 „
E 4I
r°
11
CU
V)
W C
W 1-i
J _
f0
C ' IA w
a CO
Z e' _ E
t is
N
O
.i., c CL) " 1.:■7.,
!imam (41,,,,) ,,..-
C a
ro , -=, , .L., ,;, ...4 - d'- 0 F-
E: 5 t=Q4, ),...c
ajffi E 1,,-, ,,,,-, .., c,. , , ., .=, . ,. .."
x m c c''
2 PAM 0 s cu
<" P,- .,.
a
-c>5
6
U ....,
f'11 , ., -z ,,.L'',,
1.0 tr)
. = >.'s ' ' ' ''' '' ° - I I Aikk N
tr,' 'i.'5 \'''A'7'fi 11 I I 1
f.1 ,h1 >1,,°,',E
1>-
1 Fol 1
w
w ,
, &,,) n --------0 CIA1E1LIJI)100 4
17) -
Lil.4—1) v)
"
7.0 t 0.,u , . :,
. ,
E 0
0 1 .
E C
1 ....„ .
,, -1.1:!. , .•., ,I• is)
4-,
,/
tn U
/
..... .„ \
'4i*.1■4"gti cn
/ E r
(2 '-'
'1,
t,,,, $','..' ,,'',.•
.... )
4,
CI)
1 tn
0 t
u
— ,..
— .
co -
Z ,\
]
\ ,
I
c.■ ?,
y
a) 1,,,,,,. .t.,_ N 0
CAll -6-C' a F C a A e_ E - E- NI £ O-c N L 0 y F v w i I I N I- 0)rc w 2 �� 1 1� - o v �O N C a
c a Y 0) . --o ° _v '6..l0 VI .2 '-1"-',i a C w ° oo�
_, o -
N F-
}
1
w
a
Z
W
.
-
fa P ii� an�eloo L��) . 0 \m a� !! a)01 Q p • 4%c,,///\
fit \'
y
'O
47 44t,,--;,,,,,3 k 3F, tz
cu r
-I Ql
11:I Al
)X
I "'t �. �' by
1
r
j
CU
iA C
e N
cu
r J , -.__ y H y o
o
fr:c13 .,..__,___,__..7,1't-i---- '
Z v
0
o ,,
0 ei
g ark k f � Y
Section 5: Goals and Objectives
This section provides the transit vision, mission, goals, objectives, and initiatives for the CAT TDP (2016-
2025). The goals and objectives presented in this section were prepared based on the review and
assessment of existing conditions, feedback received from the public involvement process including the
Review Committee, and the review of local transportation planning documents. These goals are also
consistent with the name of the department carrying them out — Collier County Public Transit &
Neighborhood Enhancement.
CAT Fixed-Route Public Transit Vision
To be an integral part of Collier County's multimodal network providing effective and efficient fixed-
route transportation options that meet the needs of residents and visitors for economic and
environmental reasons and benefits.
CAT Fixed-Route Public Transit Mission
To provide safe, accessible, and courteous public transportation services to its customers.
CAT Fixed-Route Public Transit Goals, Objectives, and Initiatives
Goal 1: Operate a cost effective and sustainable public transportation system that safely and
efficiently meets the needs of Collier County's residents and visitors.
Objective 1.1: Improve efficiency,quality, and level of service to adequately serve residents
and visitors while increasing the economic vitality of transit in the county.
Initiatives for Objective 1.1:
Initiative 1.1.1: Establish east/west corridor service, as funding allows, by 2025 to
provide alternative access to jobs, education, and recreation.
Initiative 1.1.2: Establish north/south corridor service, as funding allows, by 2025 to
provide alternative access to jobs, education, and recreation.
Initiative 1.1.3: Improve the frequency of peak weekday service to 45 minutes or better
on all existing CAT routes,as funding allows, by 2025.
Initiative 1.1.4: Evaluate the feasibility of premium transit services, such as bus rapid
transit(BRT) by 2017.
Objective 1.2: Improve and maintain the existing transit infrastructure and bus stop
accessibility within Collier County.
Initiatives for Objective 1.2:
Initiative 1.2.1: Continue to pursue funding for improvements to existing bus stops.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 22
.55�
e`er. `f- b40G 'P 3..
Initiative 1.2.2: Develop a Passenger Amenities Program by 2016.
Initiative 1.2.3: Install a minimum of ten covered, ADA-compliant, accessible bus stop
shelters per year.
Initiative 1.2.4: Preserve the existing transit infrastructure throughout the CAT service
area.
Initiative 1.2.5: Coordinate with the Collier County to include bus stop shelters design
and installation during roadway construction projects.
Initiative 1.2.6: By 2018, implement the phased recommendations from the CAT Bus
Stop ADA Assessment report.
Objective 1.3: Service all current and future transit users with a focus on providing job access
and allowing for a cost-effective, greener alternative to the private automobile.
Initiatives for Objective 1.3:
Initiative 1.3.1: Improve transit service within areas with the highest transit orientation
index, as identified in the TDP Major Update, by 2025.
Initiative 1.3.2: Provide efficient transit access to major employment centers,
development corridors, and other significant activity centers, as funding
allows.
Initiative 1.3.3: Expand transit services to areas with high employment and dwelling
unit densities, including Golden Gate Estates and other areas located in
the eastern portion of the county, by 2025.
Initiative 1.3.4: Increase transit ridership by one percent each year.
Initiative 1.3.5: Continue coordination with groups including the Immokalee CRA
and the Bayshore Gateway Triangle CRA on projects, including
land development code updates, the development of master plans, and
community improvements that would affect transit service.
Initiative 1.3.6: Coordinate with Opportunity Naples and the Greater Naples Chamber
of Commerce to be an integral part of the future economic
development implementation plan.
Initiative 1.3.7: Continue to coordinate with county and city departments to be an
important part of future development and redevelopment plans.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum 4t2 Page 23
�. °4^ 'rya
v5 w� �� 64
Objective 1.4: Create an interconnected transit network using multimodal transportation
elements.
Initiatives for Objective 1.4:
Initiative 1.4.1: Work with Commuter Services to identify properties for park-and-ride
lots in priority areas as identified within the TDP Major Update and
as funding is available.
Initiative 1.4.2: CAT should review and propose additional regional public
transportation connections along future transit corridors, as
appropriate.
Initiative 1.4.3: Encourage local governments to provide accessible sidewalks, bus stops,
and other bus stop improvements.
Initiative 1.4.4: Coordinate public transportation connections with existing and planned
pedestrian and bicycle pathways.
Initiative 1.4.5: Install a minimum of two bike lockers each year at bus stops.
Initiative 1.4.6: Encourage passengers to travel with foldable bicycles that may be
transported on the fixed-route buses.
Initiative 1.4.7: Continue to explore new and innovative concepts to accommodate
bicycles on the fixed-route buses.
Objective 1.5: Coordinate transportation services to provide cross county connections to Lee
County as appropriate based on the regional transportation and economic benefits that can be
derived.
Initiatives for Objective 1.5:
Initiative 1.5.1: Continue to evaluate how regional services can add economic value to
Collier County by increasing job access and creating alternative routes
to access goods and services.
Initiative 1.5.2: Coordinate with LeeTran and FDOT to identify funding sources for the
expansion of cross county public transportation services.
Initiative 1.5.3: Expand transportation services to Lee County with connections to
LeeTran near Immokalee.
Objective 1.6: Enhance the availability of transit services for tourists and seasonal residents.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum#2 Page 24
;77;11._ -+ a err �' e , "iw ,,,s.1-Ct xn 39^x.
1-
Initiatives for Objective 1.6:
Initiative 1.6.1: Designate a CAT representative to attend Collier County Tourist
Development Council (TDC) meetings.
Initiative 1.6.2: Coordinate with the TDC to explore the potential for using tourist
development tax revenue to expand and improve transit service for
Collier County's tourists and visitors.
Initiative 1.6.3: Coordinate with the TDC to market CAT services.
Initiative 1.6.4: Encourage the private market segment benefiting from tourist in Collier
County to help fund transit services to this population and employees
servicing the tourist population.
Initiative 1.6.5: Continue to broadcast CAT television commercials and radio
advertisements.
Initiative 1.6.6: Monitor ridership in coordination with marketing and advertising efforts
to determine increases attributable to additional marketing efforts.
Initiative 1.6.7: Proceed with developing a smartphone application to support real-time
fixed-route bus locator information.
Objective 1.7: Enhance access and availability of transit information and schedules.
Initiatives for Objective 1.7:
Initiative 1.7.1: Add numbers to bus stops to assist passengers and CAT representatives
in determining bus stop locations and providing accurate information.
Initiative 1.7.2: Partner with the Chamber of Commerce to develop and disseminate a
route map that depicts the locations of major destinations, including
employment centers, apartments, and attractions.
Initiative 1.7.3: Conduct a Travel Training Day with CAT representatives riding the buses
to share information with passengers and teach non-users how to use
the transit system.
Initiative 1.7.4: Develop outreach activities to teach children how to use public
transportation.
Initiative 1.7.5: Proceed with developing a smartphone application to enable the
greater dissemination of CAT information.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 25
Initiative 1.7.6: Update the CAT webpage with user-friendly features to provide easier
access to route maps,trip planning, and real-time bus location
information.
Goal 2: Reduce energy demand, implement green initiatives and sustainable processes, and protect
Collier County's natural resources using cost-effective and efficient technologies.
Objective 2.1: Implement innovative programs to reduce vehicle miles traveled within Collier
County.
Initiatives for Objective 2.1:
Initiative 2.1.1: Continue coordination with FDOT's District One Commuter Services
program for the implementation of additional commuter programs.
Initiative 2.1.2: Coordinate with public and private entities to establish new park-and-
ride locations for commuters.
Initiative 2.1.3: Coordinate with the Naples Pathway Coalition,the MPO Pathways
Advisory Committee, and local non-profit and/or for-profit groups to
explore the potential for implementing a bicycle share program.
Initiative 2.1.4: Determine how Collier County can leverage additional funding to
promote and provide green alternatives including federal funds for
transit in parks.
Initiative 2.1.5: Coordinate with Collier County Driver License and Motor Vehicle Service
Centers to promote CAT fixed-route services to persons unable to
obtain a driver's license or with an unsafe and/or inoperable vehicle.
Objective 2.2: Implement environmentally-friendly operating procedures.
Initiatives for Objective 2.2:
Initiative 2.2.1: Explore potential to transition the fleet to alternative fuel vehicles for
economic and environmental benefits.
Initiative 2.2.2: Where appropriate, consider the potential to purchase smaller vehicles
to match the capacity requirements of the new service areas.
Initiative 2.2.3: Reduce fuel consumption by one percent each year, as service, new
sources to power vehicles, and funding allows.
Initiative 2.2.4: Construct future CAT facilities utilizing environmentally-friendly
materials, where feasible.
Collier Area Transit—"Technical Memorandum 4f2 Page 26
arty `xe ' 3i _, i k'y'" , �` M, _
^5 �` wa a- + �+i
s
3,iws.,��. ,.a... .,,.. .a
Goal 3: Build meaningful partnerships that increase the visibility of CAT,promote livability, and
enhance economic and social well-being.
Objective 3.1: Develop marketing strategies to increase ridership and improve the visibility of
CAT.
Initiatives for Objective 3.1:
Initiative 3.1.1: Participate in local job fairs to increase knowledge about the transit
system and encourage use.
Initiative 3.1.2: Develop marketing materials and programs to demonstrate the value
and role of transit in regional carbon emissions reduction.
Initiative 3.1.3: Distribute transit service information and user-friendly brochures to at
least 25 percent of businesses within 'A-mile of existing transit routes by
2016.
Initiative 3.1.4: Continue the CAT public relations campaign, including commercial and
radio advertisements, designed to promote transit ridership and
sustainability.
Initiative 3.1.5: Create a Transit Ambassador Program using volunteer transit users to
spread the word about CAT and how to use the services.
Initiative 3.1.6: Hire a full-time Mobility Manager/Social Media Specialist responsible
for updating the CAT Facebook page and Twitter account with the latest
news and information.
Initiative 3.1.7: Conduct one presentation each month to an agency, including the
NAACP, assisted living facilities, driver's education classes, CRAs, Wives
of the Farm Workers, Good Will Industries, Homeowners Associations,
pending the hire and availability of a full-time staff person at CAT
designated to perform outreach functions.
Objective 3.2: Build partnerships for participation in discussions relating to proposed future
development and redevelopment.
Initiatives for Objective 3.2:
Initiative 3.2.1: Coordinate with the Immokalee Seminole Casino on their future
and recent developments to explore the potential for partnering to
provide additional service in Immokalee and other areas.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum it2 Page 27
4 ' _. � fir- r�-
Initiative 3.2.2: Develop Transit Development Guidelines to provide the development
community with guidelines on bus stop siting and design, land use and
roadway design factors that affect transit design, and when to
coordinate with CAT for transit services during the development
process.
Initiative 3.2.3: Participate in Opportunity Naples meetings and other discussions
regarding future development in Collier County, pending the availability
of CAT staff.
Objective 3.3: Establish intergovernmental relationships to improve and expand existing and
future transit service.
Initiatives for Objective 3.3:
Initiative 3.3.1: Participate in quarterly meetings with Lee Tran to identify
ways to improve service, including coordinating the fixed-route bus
schedules between Lee County and Collier County routes connecting
with the LinC.
Goal 4: Coordinate public transportation services with local, regional, and state planning efforts.
Objective 4.1: Coordinate integrated land use planning efforts to incorporate transit needs
into the development review process.
Initiatives for Objective4.1:
Initiative 4.1.1: Work with county and city planners to evaluate and consider the
impacts of development on transit and how that could be translated
into funding options for transit.
Initiative 4.1.2: Participate in planning and development review meetings to ensure that
county and city policies support transit services and funding needs.
Initiative 4.1.3: Ensure that CAT comments on all major development regarding the
provision of transit services and the capital and operational impact on
transit and associated funding for these impacts.
Initiative 4.1.4: Work with county and city planners to incorporate transit oriented
development design into the planning process.
Initiative 4.1.5: Develop a list of recurring annual meetings where transportation and
land use will be topics and designate a representative to attend.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 28
•.
Initiative 4.1.6: Meet quarterly with staff from the Collier County Transportation
Engineering and Planning departments to identify upcoming utilities,
roadway, and/or stormwater projects, planning studies, and site
developments that will affect the provision of transit services.
Goal 5: Use the most efficient technologies and innovations available for transportation system
operations.
Objective 5.1: Implement and expand Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) improvements.
Initiatives for Objective5.1:
Initiative 5.1.1: Continue to improve customer information systems (including website)
for scheduling information to encourage and increase system use.
Initiative 5.1.2: Develop an Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) plan that includes
evaluation criteria for potential and proposed ITS projects.
Initiative 5.1.3: Implement a trip planner by September 2016.
Initiative 5.1.4: Implement technology to allow for customers to reload smart cards
online by 2017.
Initiative 5.1.5: Coordinate with Lee County Transit to implement technologies that
support regional acceptance of smart cards for fare payment.
Initiative 5.1.6: Explore technology that would allow merchants to reduce the fixed-
route fare for patrons using smart cards.
Goal 6:Monitor and maintain service quality and standards.
Objective 6.1: Develop ongoing processes to measure and monitor service quality.
Initiatives for Objective6.1:
Initiative 6.1.1: Use the performance measures established in the 2016-2025 TDP Major
Update to monitor fixed-route services on a quarterly basis. Make
revisions to low-performing services and if improvements are not seen
after the changes discontinue the service.
Initiative 6.1.2: Conduct a survey at least every two years to obtain passenger
information including user demographics,travel behavior
characteristics, and user satisfaction.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 29
Los . c m t'F
Initiative 6.1.3: Maintain an ongoing public involvement process to solicit input through
discussion groups, interviews, surveys, and public workshops.
Objective 6.2: Efficiently and cost-effectively upgrade and maintain the CAT fleet.
Initiatives for Objective 6.2:
Initiative 6.2.1: Operate a fleet of fixed-route vehicles with an average age of less than
five years by 2025, as funding permits.
Initiative 6.2.2: Perform scheduled maintenance activities for all transit vehicles to
keep them operable and reduce overall vehicle costs.
Initiative 6.2.3: Develop a process for operators to communicate potential vehicle
maintenance problems that feed into an ongoing preventative
maintenance program and address actual maintenance problems
immediately.
Goal 7: Maximize the use of all funding sources to increase services or to provide better services.
Objective 7.1: Increase and expand revenue sources.
Initiatives for Objective 7.1:
Initiative 7.1.1: Review the potential for advertising inside the buses.
Initiative 7.1.2: Educate the general public and local decision-makers on the importance
of public transportation and the need for financial support.
Initiative 7.1.3: Submit grant applications available through federal,state, local, and
private sources.
Initiative 7.1.4: Annually seek to identify and obtain available alternative revenue
sources for the provision of new and improved transit services.
Initiative 7.1.5: Work with the County Attorney's office to explore the possibility of
establishing a 501(c)(3)that allows persons to donate funds to CAT
for the purpose of"adopting a shelter" or"adopting a rider" by
September 2016.
Initiative 7.1.6: Establish a citizen campaign by January 2016 to educate on the benefits
of creating a sales tax initiative or Municipal Services Taxing Unit
(MSTU)for transit and gauge citizen support for the establishment of
either an MSTU or sales tax that would provide transit service at
reduced or no cost to the residents paying taxes within the boundaries.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 30
x kw s- 4 � w j
.... - �. >3,3
Section 6: Conclusion
Based on the public input, review of plan consistency, and transit needs and mobility assessment, it is
clear that CAT is doing a great job with the services being provided, but that expansion of service and
information dissemination efforts are necessary. Positive steps are being taken to communicate current
services to the public and increase the availability of service, and to improve access to technology in an
effort to increase transit patronage while becoming more integrated into the local community.
Building on the information contained in this technical memorandum, CAT revised its goals and
objectives to more closely set standards reflective of the expressed needs and identified mobility
strategies. CAT will utilize this information to develop service alternatives and a capital plan with
estimated funding levels in an effort to establish the vision for transit services over the TDP planning
horizon.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum 412 Page 31
Appendix A: Stakeholder Interview Questions
Page 32
Collier Area Transit-Technical Memorandum #2
Collier Area Transit - 'Transit llevelopment Plan
Stakeholder Interview Questions
Existing Transit Service
1. Are you currently aware of Collier Area Transit (CAT) and its services?
2. Do you use CAT?Why?Why not?
3. If you do not use the transit system,what improvements would encourage you to use CAT in the
future?
4. In your opinion, what is the primary role of Collier County's public transit service (service for
service workers, elderly, low income,tourists,to prevent congestion, reduce emissions,create
economic opportunities)?
5. What do you believe is the purpose of most transit trips (medical, shopping, recreation,work, or
school)?
6. What are the most significant issues facing transit users?
7. Is the public perception of CAT good, satisfactory, or poor? Is your perception of CAT good,
satisfactory, or poor?
8. Do you believe CAT has done an effective job marketing transit service options?
9. Do you believe further branding is needed? If so,what do you think the community would like to
see?
10. What additional steps do you feel should be taken to increase the use of public transit in Collier
County?
Future Transit Service—Transit Vision
11. Is there a need for additional transit service in Collier County?What type of transit service
would you like to see more of in the future (more frequent fixed-route service, express bus,
trolley, demand response, increased weekend service, later evening service)? If so, what specific
area do you think needs additional transit service or which routes need improvements.
12. Is there a need for additional shelters,technology, or other capital equipment in Collier County?
13. Do you believe additional transit service could attract more businesses and employees to Collier
County?
14. Do you believe there is a congestion problem in Collier County? If so, do you believe that public
transportation can relieve congestion in Collier County?
15. What major destinations should be accessible by public transportation both inside and outside
of the community?
16. At some point in the future, do you envision that rail transit would be needed to improve
regional connectivity for Collier County and the surrounding areas?
Transit Funding and Fares
17. Are you willing to pay increased local taxes for an expanded transit system? If yes, go to
Question 18.
Collier Area Transit - Transit Development Plan
Stakeholder Interview Questions
18. What types of local funding should be used to increase transit service in the future? (i.e., private
partnerships, advertising revenue, fare increases, ad valorem taxes, sales tax, gas tax,tourist
tax)
19. Do you think that advertising on any of the following media should be permitted to increase
revenue to support the transit agency: buses, shelters, and/or benches?
20. What are reasonable passenger fares for transit service (please specify per trip or other)?
21. Have you heard of any business requesting additional transit service or interested in creating
public private partnerships for increased transit service for their employees and customers?
22. Are you supportive of public policy that requires coordination of and provision of funding for
transit services that connect to high density/mixed use development?
Appendix B: Review of Plans, Studies, and Policies
A major component of the TDP Update is to assess and document relevant plans, policies, and trends of
local, regional, state, and federal entities, which includes Collier County and the cities within (Everglades
City, Marco Island, and Naples), the Collier MPO, the State of Florida, and the federal government. The
results of this effort provide information to support an understanding of transit planning issues in the
Collier County area. This section reviews transit policies at the local, regional, state, and federal levels of
government.
LOCAL DOCUMENT REVIEW
Collier County Comprehensive Plan
Florida law requires every incorporated municipality and county to adopt a comprehensive plan that is
consistent with the Growth Management Act of 1985. The Growth Management Act requires
comprehensive plans to be consistent with state and regional plans. For communities with a population
over 50,000, comprehensive plans must include a Transportation Element that summarizes existing and
future transportation conditions, how those conditions relate to what the community considers the
ideal transportation situation, and how the community proposes to get there. The Collier County
Growth Management Plan (GMP) is the County's Comprehensive Plan and is the primary policy
document concerning land use, transportation, and other planning categories for the County.
The current Collier County GMP is a result of the County's 2011 Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR).
The GMP EAR based amendments were adopted in 2013 and are a part of the GMP that is being
reviewed for this TDP. Only the goals, objectives, and policies that are relevant to public transportation
are summarized below.
Transportation Element
Purpose
Collier County initiated deviated fixed-route service for public transportation on February 15, 2001.
Private services offered in the county are fixed-route "trolleys," which operate during the winter season
in Naples and on Marco Island, and a network of paratransit providers that offer transportation services
to the disadvantaged and persons with disabilities. The Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) program is
coordinated by Collier County, which has been designated as the Community Transportation
Coordinator (CTC) by the MPO. The TD services offer home pick-up and delivery transportation for older
adults, handicapped, and economically disadvantaged in the County. The "trolley" systems mentioned
above are run primarily for the tourist segment of the population and have fixed-routes that visit the
major shopping, beach and hotel interest points.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum 4t2 Page 35
74 4 Ire 01 {�
Future System Needs
On August 3, 1999 the Board of County Commissioners adopted the Public Transportation Development
Plan (PTDP), and agreed to become the Governing Agency for transit in Collier County. The PTDP
contains estimates of unmet needs in Collier County, both for the existing TD services, and for general
public transportation. It contains planning level discussions on demand centers, route locations, vehicle
sizes and types of services. The Public Transportation Operating Plan (PTOP) was adopted by the MPO
on December 8, 2000 and by the Collier County Board of County Commissioners on January 9, 2001.
Other services proposed in the startup public transportation system are a vanpool program, circulator
service in Immokalee, an Immokalee to Naples shuttle service, and a Commuter Assistance Program.
Although the PTPD final report suggested the need for numerous public transportation services in Collier
County, the scale and growth rate of the initial system was such that no local funding contribution was
predicted to be required until fiscal year 2006. This situation is the result of gradual changes in the
requirements for local matching funds that accompany state and federal grant funds. Collier County
already is spending funds on public transportation that meet the match requirements.
GOAL: To plan for; develop and operate a safe, efficient, and cost effective transportation system that
provides for both the motorized and non-motorized movement of people and goods throughout
Collier County.
OBJECTIVE 5: Objective 5 identifies the coordination between the Transportation and the
Future Land Use Elements of the GMP.
Policy 5.5: Commercial developments within the South U.S. 41 Transportation Concurrency
Exception Area (TCEA) that choose to obtain an exception from concurrency requirements for
transportation must comply with four (4) of nine (9) Transportation Demand Management
(TDM) strategies, while residential developments must comply with three (3) of five (5).
Developments are required to monitor the use and effectiveness of the selected TDM
strategies, and shall be included in the development's annual monitoring report. The
developments which are not required to submit an annual monitoring report shall fill out an
assessment form provided by the County that analyzes the use and effectiveness of the
selected TDM strategies for three years following completion of the development. These
strategies seek to increase vehicle occupancy, increase transit ridership, reduce vehicle miles
traveled, and enhance bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
Policy 5.8: Should the Transportation Impact Study (TIS)for a proposed development reflect
that it will impact either a constrained roadway link and/or a deficient roadway link within a
TCMA by more than a de minimis amount (more than 1% of the maximum service volume at
the adopted LOS); congestion mitigation payments shall be utilized, among other things, to
enhance transit.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum#2 Page 36
„,,,,,,..„:„5,,.,.„,,,,-,,„,„„,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,...,.„,,,,, ,:.„ - •:.--,:, -. .
M :
i ‘ , ,, ..vdT,” ., fix._ x.,m>aroesx a..�. o . F#' , i .. .W..._.........
OBJECTIVE 6: Coordinate the Transportation Element with the plans and programs of the state,
region, and other local jurisdictions.
Policy 6.1: The Transportation Element shall incorporate to the greatest degree possible, the
long range plans of the Collier MPO.
OBJECTIVE 10: The County shall encourage safe and efficient mobility for the rural public that
remains consistent with the character of the rural areas of Collier County.
Policy 10.2: The County shall continue to improve transit services for the transportation
disadvantaged in the rural areas through the CTC.
OBJECTIVE 12: The County shall encourage the efficient use of transit services now and in the
future.
Policy 12.1 thru Policy 12.6: Establish Collier County as the managing authority of Collier
Area Transit (CAT) system that shall provide transit services in and around the County. The
County, via interlocal agreements, shall coordinate efforts for potential transit service where
such service is needed, including cross county services. The Collier MPO, through the TD
program shall assist the local CTC in the implementation of the most efficient and effective
level of service possible for the transportation disadvantaged, including implementation of
the TD program through the County's regular bus system. The County Transportation
Division and the Collier MPO shall coordinate the development and maintenance of transit
development plans with the Florida Department of Transportation.
Policy 12.7 thru Policy 12.10: Following the adoption of any transit development plan, the
County shall initiate the development of transit right-of-way and corridor protection
strategies, including ordinances and policy additions. Any adopted transit development plan
shall include an acceptable level of service standard for transit facilities. The County shall
include capital expenditures for any adopted transit development plan in the Capital
Improvement Element. The County shall incorporate herein by reference the most recent
Public Transit Development Plan adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.
OBJECTIVE 13: The County shall assess and evaluate the creation of a separate Transit Element
to give alternative means of transportation equal treatment within the Growth Management
Plan.
Policy 13.1: The County may develop a Transit Element, a Transit Sub-Element within this
Transportation Element or incorporate alternative means of transportation into the Growth
Management Plan through other appropriate modifications, based upon the conclusion of
the November 2011 Master Mobility Plan.
Collier Area Transit-Technical Memorandum #2 Page 37
Future Land Use Element
GOAL: To guide land use decision-making so as to achieve and maintain a high quality natural and
human environment with a well-planned mix of compatible land uses which promote the public's
health, safety and welfare consistent with state planning requirements and local desires.
Policy 2.4: This policy identifies the South U.S. 41 TCEA.
Policy 2.5: This policy identifies and explains the performance measures for the two
Transportation Concurrency Management Areas (TCMAs)geographically described below:
1. Northwest TCMA— This area is bounded by the Collier/Lee County Line on the north side,
the west side of the 1-75 right-of-way on the east side, Pine Ridge Road on the south side,
and the Gulf of Mexico on the west side.
2. East Central TCMA— This area is bounded by Pine Ridge Road on the north side, Collier
Boulevard on the east side, Davis Boulevard on the south side, and Livingston Road
extended)on the west side
OBJECTIVE 6: Collier County's TCMAs are previously established in the Comprehensive Plan under
Objective 2 (as described above in Policy 2.5). Policies 6.1 through 6.5 are linked to Objective 2 and
its supporting policies in the Comprehensive Plan. Objective 6 and its supporting policies describe the
methods for which the TCMAs further the achievement of the following identified important state
planning goals and policies: discouraging the proliferation of urban sprawl, protecting natural
resources, protecting historic resources, maximizing the efficient use of existing public facilities, and
promoting public transit, bicycling, walking and other alternatives to the single occupant
automobile.
Policy 6.2 and Policy 6.3: These policies provide the requirements for development or
redevelopment in TCMAs by utilizing Transportation Demand Management (TDM). These
requirements include policies that reduce vehicle miles traveled, increase pedestrian and bicycle
facilities, and support the County's transit network.
These efforts are supported by the Land Development Code in Chapter 6 Section 6.02.00 -
Adequate Public Facilities Requirements, 6.02.02 - Management and Monitoring Program,
described below.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum 112 Page 38
-.,g o
FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION DESCRIPTION SECTION
I. URBAN DESIGNATION
a. Urban designated areas within the County include those with the greatest residential
densities, and areas in close proximity, which have or are projected to receive future
urban support facilities and services. It is intended that urban designated areas
accommodate the majority of population growth and that new intensive land uses be
located within them. Accordingly, the urban area will accommodate residential uses and
a variety of non-residential uses. The Urban designated area, which includes Immokalee,
Copeland, Plantation Island, Chokoloskee, Port of the Islands, and Goodland, in addition
to the greater Naples area, represents less than 10% of Collier County's land area. Urban
designated areas include:
Urban Designations 1-16: The subdistrict designations within the county provide
guidelines of the type of development and allowed uses. These uses are
primarily mixed-used developments at a variety of densities, which support
and encourage the use of multi-modal transportation choices and activities.
II. AGRICULTURAL/RURAL DESIGNATION
B. Rural Fringe Mixed Use District
1. Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), and Sending, Neutral, and Receiving
Designations.
D) Additional TDR Provisions:
3. Rural Villages: Within the Rural Fringe Mixed Use District, Rural Villages
shall be comprised of several neighborhoods designed in a compact nature
such that a majority of residential development is within one quarter mile of
Neighborhood Centers. Neighborhood Centers may include small scale
service retail and office uses, and shall include a public park, square, or
green. Village Centers shall be designed to serve the retail, office, civic,
government uses and service needs of the residents of the village.
F) Fiscal Neutrality: A Rural Village may only be approved after demonstration that
the Village will be fiscally neutral to county taxpayers outside of the Village. An
analysis shall be conducted evaluating the demand and impacts on levels of
service for public facilities and the cost of such facilities and services necessary
to serve the Rural Village. This evaluation shall identify projected revenue
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum 42 Page 39
°,7
sources for services and any capital improvements that may be necessary. The
analysis shall consider, among other public facilities, roads, transit, bicycle and
pedestrian facilities and pathways.
G) As part of the development of Rural Village provisions, land development
regulations shall identify specific design and development standards for
residential, commercial and other uses. Rural Village, Village Center and
neighborhood design guidelines and development standards shall consider the
location of public transit and school bus stops; pedestrian paths and bikeways
so as to provide access and interconnectivity; and, roads, transit, bicycle and
pedestrian facilities and pathways.
Recreation and Open Space Element
Policy 1.3.1 and Policy 2.1.6: The County-owned or managed parks and recreation facilities shall
have automobile, bicycle and/or pedestrian access, where the location is appropriate and where
such access is economically feasible, with specific consideration given to alternative forms of
transportation that would reduce VMT and greenhouse gas.. The County shall encourage the
development of pedestrian pathways and bike lanes from the surrounding residential
communities to park sites.
Conservation and Coastal Management Element
GOAL 8: The County shall maintain Collier County's existing air quality.
OBJECTIVE 8.1: All activities in Collier County shall comply with all applicable federal and State air
quality standards.
Policy 8.1.3: Collier County shall act to reduce air pollution from automobile emissions through
continuation of the following procedures:
1. The Collier County Sheriff's Office will continue to enforce vehicle exhaust emissions
standards.
2. As part of its development review process, Collier County will require the construction of
sidewalks, bicycle lanes or bicycle paths in all new subdivisions.
3. The County will construct sidewalks, bicycle lanes or bicycle paths in conjunction with
County-funded transportation improvements.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum#2 Page 10
�
' 27 .
` t V ?#'; . fa
Golden Gate Master Plan
The goal of the Master Plan is to effectively manage growth in the Golden Gate area, which has grown at
an even higher rate than the Collier County wide rate since 1980.
Land Use Designation Description
The three land uses as described in the Golden Gates Future Land Use Map are urban designation,
estates designation, and agricultural/rural designation. These designations serve to indicate the
types of land uses for which zoning may be requested, however conformity to these designations
does not guarantee that a zoning request will be approved.
Immokalee Master Plan
The goals of the Immokalee Master Plan include diversification of the local economy, providing
adequate quality housing for residents, addressing public infrastructure needs such as transportation
networks to improve the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, promoting eco-tourism and conserving
natural resources, appropriate management of land uses, addressing urban design, and facilitating
collaboration with other local governments.
Everglades City
The Collier MPO TIP indicates the following:
Everglades City intends to focus attention for capital improvements on needed
stormwater drainage improvements and pavement replacements along several of its
major roads. Despite the fact that Everglades City has no professional planning staff and
a modest operating budget, the City plans to move forward with transportation
planning activities and coordinates these activities with the MPO.
Collier Area Transit conducted a public workshop to discuss the transit needs of the
residents of Everglades City in 2012. The Comprehensive Operational Analysis approved
by the MPO Boards in 2013 discussed the future transit needs in the eastern portion of
Collier County including Everglades City and took the transit needs of Everglades City's
residents into consideration. The Comprehensive Operational Analysis suggested that
Everglades City be served with a flexible route, but this service will not be feasible until
revenues to cover the costs of the route are identified.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum 1f2 Page 41
City of Marco Island Comprehensive Plan
Mostly due to the relatively small size of Marco Island, the multimodal focus primarily includes bicycles,
pedestrians, and their interactions with vehicles.
Transportation Element
GOAL 1: To provide and encourage a multimodal transportation system that meets the circulation needs
of Marco Island in a safe and efficient manner but does not adversely impact the quality of life
of the residents.
OBJECTIVE 1.1: Promotion of a safe, convenient, and energy efficient multimodal transportation
system.
Policy 1.1.1 thru Policy 1.1.6: These policies include the incorporation of the findings of a
Right-of-Way Report into the Capital Improvement Element, furthering efforts for a
complete sidewalk network, reviewing parking standards and encouraging more bicycle and
pedestrian activity, and coordinating with the Collier MPO for public education.
City of Naples Comprehensive Plan
Transportation Element
Transportation Analysis Requirements
6. Public Transportation
Collier County has developed a Transit Development Plan (TDP) and has established a mass
transit system, Collier Area Transit (CAT). CAT began fixed-routes in February 2001 and has
continually adapted operations to meet an increasing demand for public transportation.
Although limited in number, CAT operates a limited number of fixed-routes that include
segments of U.S.41 and Goodlette-Frank Road in the City of Naples. The fixed-routes in the
City also include access to Naples Community Hospital via Eighth Street and access to
Coastland Mall.
In the Collier MPO Long Range Transportation Plan 2030 Update (2030 LRTP), the goals and
objectives of the transit system are identified and include coordination with local
government, modifying system routing to meet community demand, increase the frequency
of service, expand the service area, ultimately provide connections to the Lee County Transit
System and provide increasing opportunities for intermodal and intramodal transportation.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 42
' i 41;
In the City, CAT provides for public paratransit operations for older adults and the disabled,
Naples Trolley provides private paratransit service between hotels and shopping and various
taxicab companies and charter bus companies provide public transportation.
To provide for changing public transportation needs of the City, the City of Naples will
continue to coordinate with the County and the MPO on the planning of transit needs for
fixed-routes, for interconnection with intermodal destinations, for bus stop improvements,
for pathway access and for integration with new developments and re-development.
The 2030 LRTP identifies a potential downtown shuttle route for the City of Naples. As the
TDP is updated, the City of Naples will continually monitor the need for this shuttle route
along with overall implementation strategies for the CAT in the TDP. The 2030 LRTP also
identifies the need for park-and-ride facilities, for employer-workforce initiatives, for
programs that may be facilitated by the use of vanpools and for programs to optimize
transit resources and for programs to secure long term dedicated funding sources.
7. Intermodal Facilities
The City adopted a comprehensive Pathways Plan in December 2007 (Resolution 07-11792).
The Pathway Plan identified as the Naples Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan consist of two
components, a Pedestrian Master Plan and a Bicycle Master Plan. Both components focus
on safety, access to schools and recreational areas, connectivity, destination linkages,
mobility and impacts to surrounding environment. Site specific projects are identified in
each master plan and connect major points of interest. The planned looped bikeway system
would serve both the commuter and recreational cyclist and interconnect with the sidewalk
system to create opportunities for efficient travel.
Planning for implementation of pathway improvements shall be coordinated with master
plan priorities that include construction of missing-links, placement of pathways along
collector streets and response to neighborhood requests. The planning of City projects shall
also be coordinated with Collier MPO's pathway master plan, the FDOT Five-Year
Transportation Improvement Program, and the Gordon River Greenway Project.
Pedestrian facilities required in the Naples Code for multi-family residential areas (minimum
of 5ft) and for mixed-use/commercial areas (minimum of 8ft) shall be supplemented by the
missing-links component of the Naples Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan to complete a
system of sidewalks serving downtown areas. The continuation of such sidewalk
improvements is consistent with the City Sidewalk Policy as contained in the Master Plan.
In addition to program coordination with on-going projects, the City shall assure
coordination with periodic updates to the LRTP, the TDP, the Collier Park-and-Ride study,
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 43
,x '.4k v � '�Ix r �y��F' ra�C a3'�&�r �,
"C+�t = � "L" 'Y'r
� ..�
the Collier County Freight and Goods Mobility analysis and related program planning to
ensure maximum multi-modal connectivity.
City of Naples Ear
The City of Naples Evaluation and Appraisal Report, adopted October 18, 2006, addressed the adopted
comprehensive plan as required by 163.3191 F.S.
Element/Objective Comments Actions/Proposed Changes
Transportation/8– The frequency of transit stops and the Continue to work with the
Coordinate with CAT and expansion of transit routes have increased MPO and Collier County to
the MPO to evaluate over the last 2 years and are expected to explore options for efficient
biannually the potential continue along with the increase in ridership. public transportation.
for the development of a In Collier County's 2030 Long Range
public transportation Transportation Plan, a downtown transit loop
system. has been identified as being needed.
Collier MPO 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan Minor Update
A major element of the 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Minor Update includes the
reevaluation of the transit system improvements to develop a more realistic needs plan where some
transit improvements were either reduced or eliminated from the plan. The 2035 Cost Feasible transit
projects from the Collier MPO 2035 LRTP Minor Update are listed below:
Improvement Year
Improve frequency to 45 2016-2020
minutes on Routes 1B and 1C
--- ------ —
Improve frequency to 45
minutes on Routes 10, 2A, 2B, 2021-2025
8A, 8B
Improve frequency to 45 2026-2030
minutes on Route 9
New service on Immokalee Road 2026-2030
New service on Naples 2026-2030
Downtown Loop
New service from Collier to Lee 2031-2035
County
The LRTP Cost Feasible Plan primarily focused on the improvements and prioritization identified in the
2010 CAT TDP Major Update.
Collier Area Transit–Technical Memorandum 112 Page 1.4
Collier MPO 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan
To ensure continued flow of federal revenues to the Collier County area, including non-transportation
related dollars,the Collier County MPO is required to prepare and adopt an updated LRTP that provides
a minimum 20-year plan. This plan was developed in coordination with the Lee County MPO in an effort
to review the jointly adopted regional transportation network. The Joint Regional Transportation Plan
not only identifies highway needs such as those on Interstate 75 and State Road 82, but also transit
connections between Collier Area Transit and LeeTran and a multi-use pathway between Orangetree
(Collier County) and Orange River(Lee County).
Relevant goals and objectives from the LRTP are listed below. Specific highway and transit needs from
the 2030 Joint Regional Transportation Plan Element are listed in the table at the end of this section.
Changes to the Joint Regional Transportation Plan proposed by one MPO in the Collier-Lee Region must
also be approved by the other MPO.
Goal 1 is a multi-modal transportation system that is balanced and integrated with all transportation
modes to ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. This goal is supported by:
Objective 1.2: Maintain roadway and other Level of Service standards consistent with regional,
county, and municipal comprehensive plans.
Objective 1.3: Provide a balanced system with viable multi-modal options that are consistent
with local comprehensive plans.
Objective 1.4: Provide infrastructure that supports intermodal transportation (transit riders,
pedestrians, bicyclists and other alternative transportation modes).
Objective 1.5: Improve intermodal connectivity and access to intermodal facilities (e.g. airports,
transit centers, Interstate bus system, passenger ferries, etc.) and activity center.
Objective 1.7: Improve public transit services so they are efficient, frequent, reliable,
convenient, easy to use and understand, and promotes other intermodal uses.
Goal 2 is a transportation system that is safe and secure. This goal is supported by Objective 2.3 which
commits to increase transit and intermodal security.
Goal 5 is a sustainable transportation system that enhances economic growth and anticipates
development demands. This goal is supported by the following objectives:
Objective 5.2: Improve public transit services so they are efficient, frequent, reliable,
convenient, that is easy to use ad understand and promotes other intermodal uses.
Collier Area'Transit—Technical Memorandum 4f2 Page 15
xu a -4v1 fix.. ,fin
. .. 9
Objective 5.3: Improve intermodal connectivity and access to intermodal facilities (e.g. airports,
transit centers, Interstate bus system, rail, passenger ferries, etc.) and activity centers.
Goal 6 is a transportation system that is maintained, optimized, and expanded using the best available
technologies and innovations. This goal is supported by Objective 6.6 which identifies a need to
increase mixed use densities along transit corridors.
2030 Joint Regional Multimodal Transportation Plan Element (amended March 16, 2007)
Transit Route or Location From To Improvement
CAT Transfer Express Bus
Via US 41 San Carlos Boulevard
Center Service
Rail Head Downtown Fort Myers Busway&
Via Seminole Gulf Railroad
Boulevard intermodal center Bus Rapid Transit
Via Seminole Gulf Railway CAT Transfer Downtown Fort Myers Express Bus
& US 41 Center intermodal center Service
CAT Transfer Downtown Fort Myers Express Bus
Via Interstate 75
Center intermodal center Service
Express Bus
VIA SR 82 and SR 29 Colonial Immokalee park and ride lot p
Boulevard Service
CAT Transfer Seminole Gulf Rail line at Bonita Bi-County
Livingston Road
Center Beach Rd Local Bus Service
Intercounty bus service to the Southwest Florida International Airport, FGCU, and Ave Maria University
may also need to be explored in the future.
The LRTP includes Congestion Management System (CMS) strategies and a financial plan to achieve a
balanced transportation system. The plans' financial feasibility was reviewed and jointly adopted by the
Collier and Lee MPO. The 2040 LRTPs are being completed separately and the Collier LRTP is currently
under development.
MPO Transportation Improvement Program
Transit Priorities
Each transit provider in Florida that receives State Transit Block Grant funding is required to prepare an
annual TDP by the FDOT. The TDP summarized baseline conditions for the Collier Metropolitan Planning
Area (MPA), including a physical description of the area, a population profile and demographic
characteristics. It also provides a review of the existing transportation services and a trend analysis.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #k2 Page 4 6
i - •
Farebox recovery monitoring and a financial plan are requirements of the TDP. A major update of the
Transit Development Plan 2011-2020 was approved by the Collier County Board of County
Commissioners on July 27, 2010 and ratified by the MPO board on September 10, 2010.The most recent
minor TDP or Annual Update/Progress Report was approved by the MPO board on June 14, 2013.
The 2012 Unfunded Transit Priorities (adopted by the MPO Board on June 8 2012), shown below
originate from the TDP of Collier Area Transit.
Priority Requested Funding/
Location Description
Ranking Project Estimates
Continue adding additional accessibility f or
1 5 C,CJJ Collier County
coi pliance o.th_€ke and Pedestrian ai.tenit es to_"_ :tops
2 €0,5 vi Collier Count';t' Construction of ADS _r-pliant bus sl l L1..
51 730, 33" CO l her Count; Enhance an eniatin_ East/West Route on Pine Pid_- R„a
51 2_i:3 3" Co`Iier Count.; __ta.l i:h E_ t vVest Route on Golden cote r r h,.
t, ,:,_;L;:,u CoWer Count,, Le illie nnection
o Collier County Coin=,-letior, :of CAT S i. k,ectr r:icFar
5a_PJ C_J=i Collier County
Czar€ trtrcticn: a Park. and Ri Facility r t attl, Lee
Count',,I:ne
Car s ructiono3 a Park R'- _ilit at t toe € . _r se:ti
CCU t',
ci
Const!-Liction of a Park arc PI 3 -cillr a'_the into __ . or
_ 53 4`1>u]uI Collier i_cur:t _
i -okal e Roao and Gulf Shore
Construction of a .err-anent transferFacilit at the € .-
13 56,-€C^4,COO Col!:er County
operation_ Center
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum J#2 Page 47
k '� ¢ � t '
.44',: s " �, of a a 'N', r 3 -
a '� -7:7147- +, - , F it`d v1 '' - 4,C
a
FDOT District One,Transportation Improvement Plan (Transit Projects), 2015-2019
Transit
Project Work
Project Name FMtt FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019
Summary
Bus Shelters at Various Public
427949-4 $0 $0 $0 $550,284 $0
Locations Transportation
Bus Shelters at Various Public
427949-3 $575,669 $0 $0 $0 $0
Locations Transportation
Collier Area Transit Urban Corridor 433179-1 $0 $0 $0 $632,500 $0
(CAT)ITS Phase III Improvements
Collier County/Bonita Capital for Fixed- 9
434030-1 $441,953 $441,953 $441,953 $441,953 $441,9 3
Springs(FTA 5339) Route
Collier County(CAT) Operating for
410146-2 ' $885,220 $885,220 $885,220 $885,220 $885,220
(FTA 5307) Fixed-Route
Collier County Area Urban Corridor
435008-1 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,090,136
Transit ITS Phase IV Improvements
Collier County(FTA Capital for Fixed-
5307) Route 410146-1 $3,505,721 $3,505,721 $3,505,721 $3,505,721 $3,505,721
Collier County MPO
Modal Systems
Transit Planning(FFA 410113-1 $99,347 $99,347 $99,347 $102,330 $102,330
Planning
5305)
Collier County Transit
Operating/Admin.
Operating Assistance 410120-1 $591,200 $591,200 $591,200 $591,200 $591,200
Assistance
(FTA 5311)
Operating for Fixed- Operating for
410139-1 $1,820,158 $1,862,404 $1,861,550 $1,909,674 $1,972,720
route(FTA 5307) Fixed-Route
State Transit Service Operating for
435214-1 $1,100,000 $0 $0 $0 $0
Development Program Fixed-Route
Transit Communication Urban Corridor 429904-1 $994,000 $0 $0 $0 I $0
System Improvements
Transportation Disadvantaged
Collier MPO LCB Planning Support
- $25,941 $25,941 $25,941 $25,941 $25,941
Assistance of LCB
Collier Area
Collier County
Paratransit - $868,659 $868,659 $868,659 $868,659 $868,659
TDTD/TEG
Program
Collier Area Transit-Technical Memorandum #2 Page'18
Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan
The Collier County Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan (TDSP) was reviewed in its entirety and
approved by the Collier County Local Coordinating Board on May 2, 2012. The TDSP is used by the
Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) and the Local Coordinating Board (LCB) to maintain
and/or improve transportation services for the transportation disadvantaged and to serve as a
framework for performance evaluation. The TDSP is updated annually and submitted to the Florida
Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged for final approval. Collier County services under the
TD program are provided funding from state TD funds, local revenues, and private sources. Collier
County Government merged the contracted operations of the fixed-route transit operations with the
services for the TD program in 2005.
In September 2007, the Collier Board of County Commissioners (BCC) requested to be re-designated as
the CTC for Collier County. The BCC has been successful in ensuring that coordinated transportation
services are provided to the transportation disadvantaged population of Collier County.
2012 TDSP Plan Conclusions
The large geographical size of Collier County in the terms of land area (2,026 square miles) causes the
Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) population to be spread throughout the county, creating the
potential for a longer trip. The funding for transportation services has remained relatively constant over
the past several years and not kept up with the increasing travel demands. As a result, Collier County is
struggling to maintain existing service levels and does not have the financial resources to pursue and/or
expand service.
The CTC must ensure that the vendor is providing the required services in accordance with local
developed standards in addition to those that are required by Section 41-2.006, Florida Administrative
Code. The CTC should continue to provide information to the Local Coordinating Board regarding
performance. The paratransit system is an essential service that continues to the customers of Collier
County assistance with good, respectful, and courteous service.
Collier County Rural Land Stewardship Program
Collier County's Land Development Code established the Rural Land Stewardship Area (RLSA) in
accordance with the Growth Management Plan (GMP). The purpose of the RLSA is to encourage smart
growth patterns in the rural areas of Collier County. The Rural Land Stewardship Program applies
incentives to establish a method of protecting the most valuable environmental land in Collier County
including both valuable wetlands and habitats of threatened or endangered species.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum 4t2 Page 49
Collier County Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program—Rural Fringe Mixed Use District
The Collier County Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program for the Rural Fringe Mixed Use District
(RFMU) was adopted into the Collier County Land Development Code (LDC) on 2/11/2004 and the TDR
bonus amendments were adopted on 9/27/2004. The TDR Program within the Rural Fringe Mixed Use
District establishes a method for protecting and conserving the most valuable environmental land,
including large connected wetland systems and significant areas of habitat for listed species, while
allowing property owners of such lands to recover lost value and residential development potential
through an economically viable process of transferring such rights to other more suitable lands.
At the Collier County Board of County Commissions meetings held in January 2013, the Board approved
extension of the Early Entry Bonus credits process via the 2011 EAR-based Growth Management Plan
(GMP) Adoption amendments. The amendments are now in effect. Therefore, the new extension date
for Early Entry Bonus Credits is reinstated for an additional 3 years until September 27, 2015.
TDR Program Statistics (as of July/August 2014)
Sending Lands Acreage 41,414
Base TDR Credits Recorded 1310
Early Entry TDR Credits 1310
Res Lora° on and MEenteranceTDR Cred pis 857
Conveyance TDR Credits 251
Send-ng Land Acres in Recorded De,,,e oer -,e'
5542
R. ht Lirlitat'on
Minimum Base TDR Credit Sale price $25,000
M nnar-i Bonus TDR Credit Sae Dri_e 515.050
The TDR Program also responds to the Collier County Growth Management Plan's objectives regarding
focusing growth and development towards the areas of the county where services such as sewer, water
and transportation already exist or can be easily provided.
Collier Area Transit 2013 Comprehensive Operational Analysis
The Collier Area Transit Comprehensive Operational Analysis made the following two assumptions as
part of the service recommendations:
1. The level of resources for CAT services will remain stable for the duration of the plan, Year 1
through 5.
2. Service expansion would require additional revenues.The time period for the plan is defined
as the next 5 years. A primary goal of CAT is decreasing the existing headways from 90
minutes to a minimum of 60 minutes.
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 50
It is recommended that CAT immediately focus existing and new resources towards the development of
a hierarchy of four clear levels of transit service and renumber the routes according to this hierarchy.
This recommendation arises out of the confusion created by the existing schedules/maps as well as the
existing numbering of the routes.
The estimated cost of improving the headway of CAT routes from 90 minutes to 60 minutes is $164,000
per route however this needs to be a primary goal of CAT. An implementation plan for the
recommendations is on the following page:
• t t. :X; N,• ■C t11:'1 . ,31':`. <i .x.:.`1 '.,i.... „_;.z'.1 ..7 ..;t`t ...
.;'1);∎01;•1,16 'F1C1 •ti•:"Fi,iE' `' .
i1`•7rP ti 4 ri.l 4 .4',<41 t.1}', I¢ i, t< ., ,-,.. '. 4:-"', ,;;1 :I1.1P°•t;1 tc',
:,i;;441
it t, t°i.tr,i.-,'3, ..
. .:3 t' '+. ,r i ..1,1 .,. if ,1.1;' .,..
i I \'.,r„
;17 .3 .1'.:3 t I1[....4,,14,.. ,"i..,t� .11:..,.t°i. ..'..i,. .I ., it .,,
S
101 l f r`°,1.'4 ,41,.§
e , ,i 1P17 ;,. . $!, d _ _Tgt,
.. 4410 ._._,i , ,4 . _ , , .. ! (!
,� ,r „ ,C CSI E t"vi ,'i .. •._•
<'t Vi ,,aii, t ,. .4 .,,t t.3t;si..,CA
! rtlateq
«1: 11
E. t,v„t_,. ,.., .,..i; ?iE t .t .>. ,. v, .t't' rl` .
•
•
' .....
t ,_, ..,a(tl ,t,i.-.(r :y,�•l.•,R,i.t',. ;c7(,l.L.. x1 , ., .., .}i,1� ., .,.. �i�t�
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 51
'*�C '�M.�5 ..1 * 1..z Ya+end 41 l e`t 1IA, , A.4111'!1--1c-1
Based on the above recommendation schedule, public meetings have been held by CAT and rider
surveys have been conducted as part of the TDP major updates. It is the Collier MPO's policy to support
and encourage public involvement and to adhere to the principles of Environmental Justice in the
planning process relating to transportation systems and facilities. The MPO's public involvement policy
is designed to ensure opportunities for the public to express its views on transportation and mobility
issues and to become active participants in the decision making process.
Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council Strategic Regional Policy Plan
The Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council (SWFRPC) developed and adopted goals, strategies,
and actions within the 2011 Strategic Regional Policy Plan (SRPP) in order to provide the necessary
framework for decision-making at the local level to promote regional transportation.
Through this process, the council sought to define the region's boundaries by determining common
characteristics and features shared between local municipalities and county governments. 1 he region
completed this evaluation by examining key community development factors including: geographic
makeup, demographics, economic marketplace, and transportation systems.Together these factors help
define the Southwest Florida Region and determine where local communities and counties interconnect
and unite into a single territory.
After reviewing all of the information and considering what areas comprise the Southwest Florida
Region, the SWFRPC determined the region is made up of eight counties that stretch south from the
Sunshine Skyway Bridge to the Everglades National Park and east to Lake Okeechobee. The counties are:
Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, and Hendry. The regional definition includes
the six SWFRPC counties plus Manatee and DeSoto Counties, which have been added due to their
connection to the other counties in the region.
Some of the problems and challenges identified in the SRPP include the following:
• Complete streets will become increasingly high in demand
• Multi-modal transportation facilities integrated with increased density land uses will increase.
• The continued population growth and demographic changes will drive the development of the
region and will produce changes in the region's economic trends, land uses and growth
pressures at the edge of the existing urban core areas.
• The automobile oriented land development pattern has resulted in job dispersion, causing
job/transportation imbalances to occur. As energy prices increase in the future, this imbalance
will cause significant stress to the region and could potentially thwart future growth and
development.
To address these problems, the SWFRPC has been working to coordinate the people of the region to
address community, education, health and cultural issues. The SWFRPC desires to provide a framework
for prosperity that includes job creation, property value increases, economic development and
transportation network improvements at the same time addressing the preservation of the environment
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum #2 Page 52
that attracts retirees and related service populations to the area. In order to address the balanced use of
the region's environment, the SWRRPC has been emphasizing environmental, agriculture, open space,
water, energy and land uses through preservation by planning for the protection of vital resources, by
linking multi-modal transportation facilities and land uses, by providing leadership in the establishment
of sustainable communities, by searching for linkages between existing and emerging centers
transportation and by searching for coordination of leaders efforts to provide consistency across
regional boundaries.
STATE DOCUMENT REVIEW
Chapter 341, Florida Statute (FS)
Chapter 341 creates the Public Transit Block Grant (PTBG) that is administered by FDOT. Block grant
funds are provided to urban and rural providers designated by the United States Department of
Transportation and Community Transportation Coordinators, as defined in Chapter 427, FS. Eligible
providers must establish TDPs consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with approved local
government comprehensive plans of the units of local government in which the provider is located. In
developing public transportation development plans, eligible providers must solicit comments from
regional workforce boards established under Chapter 445. The development plans must address how
the public transit provider will work with the appropriate regional workforce board to provide services
to participants in the welfare transition program. Eligible providers must provide information to the
regional workforce board serving the county in which the provider is located regarding the availability of
transportation services to assist program participants. Costs for which PTBG program funds may be
expended include:
• Costs of public bus transit and local public fixed guideway capital projects
• Costs of public bus transit service development and transit corridor projects
• Costs of public bus transit operations
Chapter 341 requires each public transit provider to establish public transportation development plans
consistent with approved local government comprehensive plans where there is an approved Local
Government Comprehensive Plan in the political subdivision or political subdivisions in which the public
transportation system is located. In particular, each public transit provider must establish productivity
and performance measures, which must be approved by FDOT and which must be selected from
measures developed pursuant to §341.041(3).
Florida Transportation Plan (FTP)
In 2010, FDOT completed the 2060 Florida Transportation Plan Update, which looks at a 50-year
horizon. The 2060 FTP calls for a fundamental change in how and where Florida invests in
transportation. The FTP defines transportation goals, objectives, and strategies to make Florida's
economy more competitive, communities more livable, and the environment more sustainable for
future generations. Florida is committed to providing livable communities and mobility for people and
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum#2 Page 53
rn'Nn aeer+nTM r+«q f
14'71'f',.4-4a11-31.=
freight through greater connectivity and meeting the rising needs of businesses and households for
safety, security, efficiency, and reliability. The FTP provides goals and objectives for Florida's
transportation system. Pertinent long range goals and objectives are provided below.
• Goal: Invest in transportation systems to support a prosperous,globally competitive economy.
o Objective: Improve transportation connectivity for people and freight to established and
emerging regional employment centers in rural and urban areas.
o Objective: Invest in transportation capacity improvements to meet future demand for
moving people and freight.
• Goal: Make transportation decisions to promote responsible environmental stewardship.
o Objective: Plan and develop transportation systems and facilities in a manner which
protects and, where feasible, restores the function and character of the natural
environment and avoids or minimizes adverse environmental impacts.
o Objective: Plan and develop transportation systems to reduce energy consumption,
improve air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Goal: Maintain and operate Florida's transportation system proactively.
o Objective: Achieve and maintain a state of good repair for transportation assets for all
modes.
o Objective: Minimize damage to infrastructure from transportation vehicles.
o Objective: Optimize the efficiency of the transportation system for all modes.
• Goal: Improve mobility and connectivity for people and freight.
o Objective: Expand transportation options for residents,visitors, and businesses.
o Objective: Reinforce and transform Florida's Strategic Intermodal System facilities to
provide multi-modal options for moving people and freight.
o Objective: Expand and integrate regional public transit systems in Florida's urban areas.
o Objective: Increase the efficiency and reliability of travel for people and freight.
o Objective: Integrate modal infrastructure, technologies, and payment systems to
provide seamless connectivity for passenger and freight trips from origin to destination.
In summary, the FTP supports the development of state, regional, and local transit services. The growth
in Florida requires new and innovative approaches by all modes to meet the needs today and in the
future.
State Growth Management Legislation (House Bill 7207)
House Bill (FIB) 7207, named the Community Planning Act, was signed into law on June 2, 2011. That bill
is intended to stimulate Florida's economic development and economic recovery by taking state
government out of the development business and giving the responsibility of community planning back
to local communities. The landmark legislation is the biggest change to growth management laws in
many years — repealing most of the State-mandated growth management planning laws that have
governed development activities within Florida since the original Growth Management Act of 1975. As
of June 3, 2011, the role of state and regional agencies in the review of comprehensive plan
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum 4t2 Page 54
• .,gip�y i6 y�yyg �}
$ S` 'fy'S 3�`l -'�, ' h �r ta.,`Vh'. ." ka .S - j�-h >"M ;'X
N q A ,e1 f 'L ;�� '-.+dpi 'AF'".,:'P3 r 4 r'
t' '" �` .jW ,9�` r. 4 f hb .,.I
a
amendments and the time needed to process the majority of plan amendments has been significantly
reduced, and many development and plan amendment hurdles have been modified throughout the
state—transportation concurrency being one of the main hurdles. State-mandated concurrency
requirements have been repealed and, consequently, a large share of growth management
responsibility has shifted to cities and counties.
The new legislation also supersedes Senate Bill (SB) 360, the Community Renewal Act, which required
the preparation of mobility plans within dense urban land areas (DULAs) and Transportation
Concurrency Exemption Areas (TCEAs). Instead, a local jurisdiction interested in implementing its own
concurrency ordinance or mobility plan can still do so, but will have limitations on how to implement
and enforce the ordinance. HB 7207 strengthens legislative language that supports multi-modal
approaches to transportation by stating that Comprehensive Plan Transportation Elements "shall
provide for a safe, convenient multi-modal transportation system" (RS. Section 163.3177 [6bj).
FDOT Work Program
FDOT annually develops a Five-Year Work Program. The Work Program is a project-specific list of
transportation activities and improvements developed in cooperation with the MPO and local
transportation agencies. The Work Program must be consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with
the capital improvement elements of local government comprehensive plans.
The Tentative Work Program is presented to the Legislature at the beginning of each legislative session.
It identifies transportation projects and programmed funding by year and is adopted by July 1 each year.
Once adopted, the Work Program is used by FDOT to develop the State Transportation Improvement
Program (STIP) that is used at the federal level to ensure that planning efforts are consistent with
federal guidelines. All transit funding coming through FTA must be included in the STIP before a grant
award can be finalized and approved. Close coordination with FDOT on the programming of federal
funds is required in the development of the Tentative Work Program, as well as throughout the year as
federal adjustments and allocations are announced.
State transit planning and programs encourage the growth of public transportation services, as well as
support the increasing local investment in transit systems. The State has several funding programs that
are available if local areas are able to commit to a dedicated funding source for system development
and expansion. Legislation passed over the past few years indicates that the State plans to continue to
foster a multimodal approach to transportation investment.
State of Florida TD Five-Year/Twenty-Year Plan
Developed by the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged (CTD), this plan is required under
the Florida Statutes and includes the following elements:
• Explanation of the Florida Coordinated Transportation System
• Five-Year Report Card
• Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability Review
Collier Area Transit–Technical Memorandum 4f2 Page 55
• Strategic Vision and Goals,Objectives, and Measures
The Long-Range and Five-Year strategic visions were reviewed and used for guidance and are indicated
below.
Long-Range Strategic Vision
Create a strategy for the Florida CTD to support the development of a universal transportation system
with the following features:
• A coordinated, cost-effective multi-modal transportation system delivered through public-
private partnerships.
• A single, uniform funding system with a single eligibility determination process.
• A sliding scale of fare payment based on a person's ability to pay.
• Use of electronic fare media for all passengers.
• Services that are designed and implemented regionally (both inter-county and inter-city)
throughout the state.
Five-Year Strategic Vision
Develop and field-test a model community transportation system for persons who are ID
incorporating the following features:
• Statewide coordination of community transportation services using Advanced Public
Transportation Systems including Smart Traveler Technology, Smart Vehicle Technology, and
Smart Intermodal Systems.
• Statewide coordination and consolidation of community transportation funding sources
• A statewide information management system for tracking passenger eligibility determination.
• Integration of Smart Vehicle Technology on a statewide multi-modal basis to improve vehicle
and fleet planning, scheduling, and operations. This effort includes vehicle and ridership data
collection, electronic fare media, and geographic information system (GIS) applications.
• Development of a multi-modal transportation network to optimize the transportation system as
a whole, using Smart Intermodal Systems. This feature would be available in all areas of the
state via electronic access.
FEDERAL DOCUMENT REVIEW
SAFETEA-LU and Surface Transportation Reauthorization
On August 10, 2005, the President signed into law the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). With guaranteed funding for highways,
highway safety, and public transportation totaling $244.1 billion, SAFETEA-LU represents the largest
surface transportation investment in our Nation's history. The two landmark bills that brought surface
transportation into the 21st century—the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991
(ISTEA) and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21)—shaped the highway program
Collier Area Transit–Technical Memorandum ##2 Page 56
f y fi � i t� f
4
r7 i
to meet the Nation's changing transportation needs. SAFETEA-LU builds on this firm foundation,
supplying the funds and refining the programmatic framework for investments needed to maintain and
grow our vital transportation infrastructure.
SAFETEA-LU addresses the many challenges facing our transportation system today—challenges such as
improving safety, reducing traffic congestion, improving efficiency in freight movement, increasing
intermodal connectivity, and protecting the environment — as well as laying the groundwork for
addressing future challenges. SAFETEA-LU promotes more efficient and effective Federal surface
transportation programs by focusing on transportation issues of national significance, while giving State
and local transportation decision makers more flexibility for solving transportation problems in their
communities.
Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century(MAP-21)
In 2012, the federal surface transportation authorization, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 215`Century
(MAP-21) was signed into law. MAP-21 funds highway and transit investments through the end of 2014.
The program focuses on high priority investments that will improve the transportation infrastructure
network and remove redundant procedures that have delayed project delivery in the past. MAP-21
contains important provisions related to the construction of transportation infrastructure such as:
reforming the environmental review and planning process, addressing highway workers safety,
establishing performance measures, and expanding the Transportation Infrastructure Financing and
Innovation Act(TIFIA) program.
Congress passed the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014, in August of 2014, which
extended federal transportation programs and funding through May of 2015. The Act continues existing
federal highway programs authorized under MAP-21. The extension of MAP-21 also extends the TIFIA
program.
Obtained from:
http://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/x/333536/Project+Finance+PPP+PFI/Federal+Surface+Transport
ation+Reauthorization+A+Temporary+Detour
Grow America Act
The Grow America Act is an acronym for Generating Renewal, Opportunity, and Work with Accelerated
Mobility, and Rebuilding of Infrastructure and Communities throughout America. The Act sets out to
support millions of American jobs through the repairing of roads, bridges, and transit systems across
America.The Grow America Act intends to address where the Highway Trust Fund fell short in providing
money for the nation's large amount of aging transit systems. The Act will also provide a level of
certainty to local governments engaging in long term planning by creating incentives to better align
planning and investment decisions to address regional needs while also strengthening local decision
making.
Obtained from: http:/Jwww.clot.gov/grow-america
Collier Area Transit—Technical Memorandum 1#2 Page 57